Thune says White House should shut down ‘anti-weaponization’ fund with immigration agenda stalled

Thune Urges White House to Discontinue ‘Anti-Weaponization’ Fund Amid GOP Discontent

Thune says White House should shut – Senate Majority Leader John Thune has indicated that the White House should consider terminating its $1.8 billion initiative aimed at countering the weaponization of immigration policies. The fund, which has drawn sharp criticism from within the Republican Party, is seen as a significant obstacle to advancing the GOP’s broader legislative agenda. Thune’s remarks reflect growing frustration among Senate Republicans, who argue that the policy is undermining unity and delaying critical funding decisions.

Thune’s comments came as a departure from his usual measured tone, signaling a shift in the GOP leadership’s stance on the issue. “I believe the administration would be best served by shutting it down themselves,” he stated during a Monday press briefing, when pressed on the controversy surrounding the fund. His call for action has intensified as the program faces legal challenges and mounting backlash from key members of his party. The situation has left the Republican senators in a tense position, with many refusing to support separate immigration funding measures until assurances are given that the money won’t benefit individuals accused of participating in the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021.

“I made my views very clear on the issue,” Thune added, when asked if the White House needed to drop the fund to move forward with the immigration bill. He emphasized his personal stance but noted he couldn’t speak for the administration’s plans, stating, “I don’t think they’ve made any final announcements about that.”

The Justice Department, which has been at the center of the controversy, said it would comply with a recent court order that temporarily halts the implementation of the fund. The decision was made by a federal judge in Virginia, who issued a ruling last week blocking the administration from allocating resources to the initiative. While the department has not formally committed to abandoning the fund, it has agreed to pause its efforts, which include evaluating claims and distributing funds to applicants.

A spokesperson for the Justice Department told CNN that the agency “disagrees strongly” with the judge’s decision but will “abide” by it for now. This temporary pause has created uncertainty, with the fund’s future depending on the outcome of upcoming legal proceedings. The judge’s order remains in effect until at least June 12, the date set for a hearing to determine whether the restriction should be extended or replaced with a more permanent solution.

Partisan Divisions Deepen Over Immigration Funding

The $1.8 billion fund has become a flashpoint for partisan conflict, with some Republicans accusing it of favoring MAGA-aligned lawmakers. Critics argue that the initiative could reward individuals involved in the Capitol attack, including those convicted of assaulting law enforcement. This has led to a standoff between the White House and Senate Republicans, who are demanding additional safeguards before approving the program.

According to two Republican aides, the White House has yet to present a compelling solution to these concerns. The lack of a clear response is contributing to a rift between the administration and the GOP leadership, who feel their input is being ignored. The situation is further complicated by recent tensions, including Trump’s focus on funding for his desired White House ballroom, which some lawmakers view as a distraction from the economic challenges their constituents face.

On Monday, Trump met with House Speaker Mike Johnson to discuss the roadblocks to the immigration funding bill. The meeting centered on the administration’s proposed fund, according to a person familiar with the conversation. However, Thune hasn’t confirmed whether he had direct discussions with Trump on the matter. He mentioned that he had not yet spoken with Johnson, highlighting the fragmented communication between key figures in the Republican Party.

Amid the growing discontent, some Trump advisers have privately suggested adding restrictions to the fund to ease pressure from lawmakers. One proposal involves barring individuals convicted of attacking police from accessing the program, a move intended to prevent the most controversial Capitol rioters from receiving taxpayer-funded benefits. While these guardrails could help bridge the divide, they haven’t yet won broad support within the GOP conference.

Trump has remained publicly steadfast in his defense of the fund, arguing it is essential for addressing immigration enforcement needs. However, the administration’s lack of a cohesive strategy has left Senate Republicans preparing for a prolonged battle. With the White House’s position unclear, the GOP is bracing for a week of Democratic attempts to highlight their internal disagreements, potentially complicating the legislative process.

The legal fight over the fund is expected to intensify in the coming days. US District Judge Leonie Brinkema, who initially blocked the initiative, could extend the pause to allow more time for deliberation. Meanwhile, DOJ lawyers must submit written arguments to Brinkema and another Washington, DC-based court by Friday. The DC court is set to hold its own hearing next Wednesday, adding to the pressure on the administration to resolve the dispute.

As the deadline approaches, the stakes for both sides have risen. Senate Republicans are determined to ensure the fund doesn’t prioritize loyalty over accountability, while the White House faces the challenge of maintaining its agenda without alienating key allies. The outcome of this debate could shape the future of immigration policy and the dynamics within the Republican Party for months to come.