United States President Donald Trump has renewed his backing for a controversial “anti-weaponisation fund” that bipartisan critics argue would use taxpayer money to benefit his political allies.

On Saturday, August 1st, 2026, Trump took to his platform Truth Social to criticize opponents blocking the confirmation of his attorney general nominee, Todd Blanche, using the fund as leverage. Trump wrote, “It will immediately be back on the table, and I will get it done.”

The $1.776 billion fund was designed to compensate individuals who claimed political persecution under President Joe Biden, Trump's election rival. However, two Republican senators, John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, have delayed Blanche’s confirmation due to concerns over the fund.

Trump praised Blanche as “a voice of reason” and “one of the most respected professionals, according to everybody, in the Country.” Despite this, Blanche’s loyalty to Trump has been questioned during Senate confirmation hearings.

On Friday, July 31st, Trump defended the fund’s creation, stating, “It’s dead, but you know, I wish it weren’t.” Cornyn recently lost his primary race to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton after Trump endorsed Paxton over the four-term incumbent.

Additional context includes a US judge voiding Trump’s IRS settlement amid allegations of self-dealing, and a US appeals court overturning a ruling that freed Columbia activist Mahdawi.

Sources