Senate Democrats launch campaign to kill what DOJ calls its "anti-weaponization fund"

Senate Democrats Move to Block Trump Administration's Proposed $1.78 Billion Fund

By Nikole Killion

Congressional Correspondent

Updated June 1, 2026 / 4:47 AM EDT / CBS News

Senate Democrats are organizing to prevent implementation of a $1.776 billion fund proposed by the Department of Justice under the Trump administration. The fund is described by department officials as the Anti-Weaponization Fund and is intended to provide payments to individuals who claim the legal system was used against them improperly.

In a letter circulated Monday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stated that Democrats plan to use floor procedures, amendments, and oversight actions to stop the fund. Schumer wrote that if Republicans pursue the measure through reconciliation, Democrats will offer amendments to eliminate it; if the issue is addressed in appropriations bills, Democrats will oppose it there as well.

Three Democratic senators introduced legislation Monday titled the Drain the Slush Fund Act. The bill, sponsored by Sens. Adam Schiff of California, Mark Kelly of Arizona, and Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, would prohibit payments from the fund to the president, members of the administration, or individuals convicted of crimes or connected to the January 6, 2021, Capitol events. Schiff said the sponsors intend to hold Republicans accountable during funding debates and to prevent any disbursements.

A federal judge issued a temporary order last week halting further work on the fund by the Justice Department. A department spokesperson stated that officials remain confident in the fund’s legal basis, citing precedents that include settlements reached during the Obama administration.

The proposed fund stems from an agreement settling a lawsuit filed by President Trump against the IRS and Treasury Department concerning the disclosure of his tax returns. The $1.776 billion would be drawn from taxpayer resources to compensate claimants alleging weaponization of legal processes.

Senate Republicans have discussed adding conditions to the fund within a larger $72 billion reconciliation measure focused on immigration enforcement. Party leaders postponed votes on the package last month following internal discussions that included Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. Majority Leader John Thune said at the time that administration officials needed to address concerns raised by some Republican members.

Blanche is scheduled to appear this week before a House Appropriations subcommittee for an oversight hearing on the matter. The fund was first referenced in connection with the tax-return settlement and has not yet received final congressional approval.