The administration of US President Donald Trump has announced it is scrapping a proposed $1.8 billion “anti-weaponisation fund” following bipartisan criticism and pressure from lawmakers.
Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche told Congress that the government would not proceed with the fund, stating: “We are not going forward with this fund. Period.”
The fund was originally created as part of a broader legal settlement involving claims against the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS), after Trump accused federal authorities of improperly targeting him and leaking his tax information.
It was intended to compensate individuals who alleged they had been unfairly treated or targeted through the use of federal agencies for political purposes.
However, critics argued the plan lacked proper oversight and could become a politically motivated payout mechanism, potentially benefiting political allies and individuals linked to the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot.
A federal judge had already temporarily blocked the rollout of the fund, citing concerns about its legal structure and how payments would be administered.
Despite the cancellation of the fund, officials said other parts of the broader settlement agreement particularly restrictions on further IRS investigations into Trump and his family would still remain in place.
The decision has intensified political debate in Washington over government accountability, the independence of federal agencies, and how claims of political targeting should be addressed.