WASHINGTON ― Republicans on Tuesday blocked a Democratic bill aimed at abolishing President Donald Trump's $1.8 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" and nullifying a settlement that frees Trump and his family from ongoing tax enforcement.
Schumer's Push for Unanimous Consent
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) argued that Democrats would continue to insist on eliminating the slush fund and the tax break. "The only way we're going to ensure that they never see the light of day is to ban them permanently by law," he said on the Senate floor. Schumer requested "unanimous consent" to pass the bill without a vote, but Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) objected. Hagerty claimed Trump would not seek compensation from the fund and noted that acting Attorney General Todd Blanche had stated the fund would not proceed. "Why is that not enough for my colleagues from across the aisle?" Hagerty asked.
Background of the Fund
Trump created the fund last month as part of a "settlement" of a lawsuit he filed against his own administration over a past illegal leak of his tax information. The $1.776 billion pot was intended to pay claims to Jan. 6 rioters and other Trump allies purportedly victimized by the Justice Department under President Joe Biden. Amid bipartisan backlash, Blanche said the fund wouldn't proceed, but Democrats and some Republicans have called for a legal ban.
Missed Opportunities
Earlier this month, during Senate consideration of a bill funding immigration enforcement at the Department of Homeland Security, a handful of Republicans tried to amend the bill to include a ban on the slush fund. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) threatened to vote against final passage if such an amendment were omitted. However, most Republicans voted against the amendments, and Tillis ultimately voted for the underlying bill after an all-night session. Tillis explained that he consulted with members up for reelection, and his votes were guided by their preferences to avoid putting pressure on them.
Future Prospects
Tillis may have another chance to leverage his position when the Senate considers confirming Blanche as attorney general this summer. "We need to make sure that there is no scenario, by the time the confirmation vote occurs, that that payout pot for punks needs to be put away," Tillis told reporters. Schumer's unanimous consent request was expected to fail, serving as a point-making exercise. "The objection is so unfortunate," Schumer said. "It allows Trump to continue with his slush fund."
Despite assurances that the fund won't move forward, the Trump Justice Department has refused to rescind the memo announcing its creation and has fought a lawsuit to block the fund. A judge has temporarily prevented implementation while the case proceeds. However, the part of the settlement freeing Trump and his family from tax enforcement remains in effect, potentially saving the president millions in back taxes.
