Congressional Democrats are advancing legislation to shut down President Donald Trump’s proposed $1.776 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund, intensifying a political battle over compensation for Americans who claim they were targeted by politically motivated prosecutions and federal lawfare.
Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, is introducing a bill designed to prevent any federal funds from being used to create or distribute payments through the fund. The legislation explicitly states that “no Federal funds may be used to create or make payments” tied to the Trump administration’s Anti-Weaponization Fund.
The fund emerged from a settlement between Trump and the Internal Revenue Service after the president sued the agency over the leaking of his confidential tax returns during his first term. Under this framework, individuals alleging they were victims of politically motivated prosecutions or government abuse could seek compensation. Potential applicants include January 6 defendants and others who claim to have been unfairly targeted by federal authorities.
Raskin is reportedly considering a discharge petition to force a House vote if Republican leadership blocks the measure from reaching the floor. Meanwhile, some establishment Republicans are also opposing the fund. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick stated he would “try to kill” the program, noting his team plans to write a letter to the attorney general and pursue legislative action.
Supporters of the fund argue it addresses long-standing grievances by compensating Americans harmed by politically driven prosecutions and abuses of government power. Critics contend the program would improperly use taxpayer money to compensate individuals tied to controversial investigations, including those connected to the January 6 Capitol protest.
Two law enforcement officers who were present at the Capitol on Jan. 6 have already filed a lawsuit seeking to dissolve the fund entirely.
