
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration signaled Monday it is backing off on creating a $1.8 billion fund announced by the Justice Department that could send money to allies of President Donald Trump deemed to be “victims of lawfare and weaponization.” Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content. It comes after a fierce and rare backlash from Senate Republicans, who threatened to team up with Democrats to block the fund.
Main Idea: The Trump administration appears to be backing away from a $1.8 billion Justice Department fund for people seen as victims of “weaponization,” after rare pushback from Senate Republicans and a court order paused the plan.
Key Points:
Taxpayers could see public money diverted to Trump allies if the fund returns, instead of being used for normal government needs.
Senate backlash may stop the fund, which could reduce the risk of political favoritism and wasted spending.
Rate how each entity in this article affected the American people.
Their backlash is a major reason the administration appears to be backing off.
Central political figure whose administration’s stance on the fund drives the entire article.
Organization leading the lawsuit challenging the fund and responding to the administration’s move.
Named Democratic leader publicly threatening legislation to ban the fund.
Named senator and Judiciary Committee chair who publicly said the fund must be dropped.
Senate Majority Leader whose position on possible legislation is important to the article’s political outcome.
Named senator whose comments describe the Republican revolt and help frame the dispute.
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Sign in to commentPresident and CEO of Democracy Forward, quoted as a principal litigator and spokesperson in the challenge.
The chamber where backlash, threats to block the fund, and legislative maneuvers are centered.
Named official whose private meeting with senators is cited as part of the backlash.
The federal court venue for the lawsuit challenging the fund; relevant but not the main focus.