WASHINGTON, May 30 (Reuters) – Senate Republicans return from recess next week to a stark choice: back President Donald Trump's controversial $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund benefiting his political allies, or defy a commander-in-chief who just ended the careers of two Republican senators.
Nearly half of the 53-member Republican Senate majority balked at the issue during a heated two-hour meeting with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche before the Memorial Day break, forcing leadership to suspend plans to pass a $72 billion partisan bill funding Trump's immigration crackdown.
With Republican leaders now poised to vote on the measure to fund ICE and Border Patrol, the party is pressing Trump's Justice Department to agree on guardrails that could defuse Democratic plans to force repeated votes on amendments.
"I would hope Senate leadership works with the administration and DOJ to design something that works," said Senator Ron Johnson, a Wisconsin conservative. "My suggestion: an overriding amendment to render all their amendments moot."
The fund, compensating victims of political "weaponization" with taxpayer money, emerged from a legal settlement between Trump's DOJ and the IRS to resolve a $10 billion lawsuit over Trump's tax records.
'NO ONE THINKS THIS IS A WINNING ISSUE'
The announcement sparked a firestorm. Lawmakers raised concerns about self-dealing and payouts to January 6 rioters.
On Friday, a federal judge temporarily blocked the fund.
Blanche told lawmakers the fund would not pay Trump family members or violent criminals, but lawmakers want written assurances, eligibility requirements, congressional control over commissioners, and judicial oversight.
"The next step depends on whether 51 Republican senators find it satisfactory," said a senior GOP aide. "Not every member will be equally satisfied."
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has called for clarity from the DOJ and White House. Aides report only silence so far.
"The administration appreciated last week's conversation and feedback," a White House official said Friday. "We look forward to additional conversations as needed." The DOJ did not respond to queries.
Even with restrictions, GOP strategists say the fund could become a political albatross ahead of November midterms, amid soaring prices, unpopular war with Iran, and Trump's declining approval.
"No one thinks this is a winning issue, even those in safe GOP seats," said an anonymous GOP strategist.
BITTERNESS IN THE SENATE
Lawmakers also show little appetite to confront the issue after Trump oversaw primary defeats of Senators John Cornyn and Bill Cassidy.
Johnson blamed the DOJ for the public announcement and poor timing. "This whole thing was blown by announcing it."
The controversy revived grievances about the 2020 election. James Troupis, a former Trump campaign attorney facing felony charges, applied for $3.2 million in compensation. Vice President JD Vance suggested former Colorado clerk Tina Peters as a compensation candidate.
DEMANDS FOR OVERSIGHT
Some Republicans in both chambers have called for congressional oversight. Senator Chuck Grassley echoed: "Congress needs an oversight role."
Representative Mike Flood told constituents: "I have concerns about the weaponization fund. We need more information, oversight, and clarity."
