Sources close to the matter revealed Tuesday that President Donald Trump’s deal with the Justice Department blocking future tax investigations into his and his family’s financial records will continue, despite uncertainty surrounding his controversial weaponization fund.
Two anonymous sources indicated that while the $1.8 billion fund has been temporarily suspended, Trump hasn’t made a final decision on whether to permanently shut it down. White House staff reportedly spent Monday reaching out to Congress members to promise no fund disbursements would occur following significant Republican opposition.
These assurances haven’t satisfied Republican critics who plan to confront acting Attorney General Todd Blanche during his House subcommittee appearance Tuesday afternoon. Lawmakers want a clear commitment that the fund will be eliminated entirely.
Republican Senator John Kennedy described the situation as a “multi-vehicle pile-up,” explaining that his fellow Republicans need clarity from Blanche before supporting a $72 billion immigration enforcement measure.
Congressional anger stems from the fund’s creation as part of a Justice Department settlement with Trump, where he agreed to withdraw his $10 billion legal action against the Internal Revenue Service.
White House insiders suggest Blanche’s prospects for attorney general nomination depend heavily on his testimony performance.
“He has to come back with some answers,” one official stated.
The Justice Department declined to comment on the matter. On Monday, DOJ confirmed it would follow a court directive temporarily halting the fund until June 12, but avoided discussing the fund’s long-term status.
Trump addressed the controversy Tuesday afternoon by sharing a Substack article titled “The Truth the Media Won’t Tell You About the Anti-Weaponization Fund.” The piece defended Trump’s efforts to compensate individuals claiming government mistreatment while criticizing media outlets and Democrats for characterizing it as a slush fund.
Following a Republican Senate meeting Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader John Thune reported speaking with Blanche earlier and expressed confidence the acting attorney general would address lawmakers’ concerns during the House hearing.
“I think his statement is going to be very definitive,” Thune commented.
Thune has advocated for keeping the immigration bill focused solely on enforcement measures, opposing inclusion of $1 billion for securing a 90,000-square-foot ornate ballroom on White House property that Trump desires.
Democratic leaders are pushing for legislation to eliminate the fund entirely.
“Let’s be clear, Trump has not killed this slush fund,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told reporters Tuesday. He emphasized that any legislation should also cancel the tax audit protection agreement.
