US President Donald Trump has reportedly agreed to suspend the creation of a $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponisation' fund, following intense criticism from Congress, including fellow Republicans. The White House has not officially confirmed the reports, but the Justice Department stated it would comply with a court order to pause the fund.

Axios first reported the news, citing a senior official who said, 'It's dead for now.' The fund was announced last month as part of a settlement between Trump and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), intended to compensate victims of 'lawfare' and government 'weaponisation'. Trump has repeatedly portrayed himself as a victim of unfair prosecution.

The decision came after Trump met with House Speaker Mike Johnson to address Republican concerns. Senate Majority Leader John Thune had also called for the fund to be dropped to clear the way for a $72 billion immigration enforcement bill. However, Democrats argued the pause was insufficient.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said, 'A promise from Trump is worthless,' and pledged to advance legislation to ban such funds permanently. The fund faced at least three lawsuits, including one from police officers injured in the January 6 Capitol attack. A federal judge temporarily blocked its creation last week.

Critics, including the watchdog group CREW, called the fund a 'piggy bank for payouts to Trump allies.' Even some Republicans expressed scepticism. Senator Don Bacon remarked, 'It doesn't look right... you can't negotiate with yourself.' Senator Thom Tillis labelled it 'a payout pot for punks.' The controversy had delayed Senate approval of Trump's immigration funding bill.

Source: www.aljazeera.com