John Thune

Republican senators want assurances regarding President Donald Trump's anti-weaponization fund before advancing the reconciliation bill that will fund immigration enforcement, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said Monday.

Thune told Politico that it is a "safe bet" the GOP-backed immigration enforcement bill will not move forward until concerns surrounding the Justice Departments $1.776 billion anti-weaponization fund are addressed.

"We're in discussions and have been with them for a while now, so hope to have more on that soon," Thune said when asked whether the Trump administration plans to modify the fund or provide additional safeguards.

The fund was created as part of a settlement resolving Trump's lawsuit against the IRS and Treasury Department over the disclosure of his confidential tax returns.

The Trump administration has described the initiative as a way to compensate Americans who were harmed by politically motivated investigations and government overreach, particularly during the Biden administration.

Trump has argued that many individuals faced financial ruin, legal expenses, and reputational damage because of what he has called the weaponization of federal agencies.

The issue has generated concern among some Senate Republicans, however, who want clearer rules governing how the money would be distributed and who would qualify for compensation.

Republican leaders delayed action on the immigration package last month after numerous GOP senators raised objections during a meeting with acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.

Lawmakers reportedly believe there are enough Republican votes to add language restricting the fund or imposing additional oversight requirements if concerns are not resolved.

The debate comes as Trump met Monday with House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., at the White House to discuss the fund and broader legislative priorities.

The meeting underscored the administrations effort to keep Republicans united behind both the anti-weaponization initiative and the immigration enforcement package.

Democrats, meanwhile, have intensified their opposition.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., launched a coordinated effort Monday to block the fund, calling it a "slush fund" and pledging to use every legislative avenue available to prevent any payouts.

The controversy has also moved into the courts. A federal judge recently issued a temporary order preventing the administration from implementing the fund pending a hearing later this month.

Despite the resistance, the Trump administration continues to defend the program as a lawful mechanism to provide restitution for Americans allegedly targeted by politically driven prosecutions and investigations.

For Senate Republicans, the challenge now is finding a path forward that addresses member concerns while preserving a key administration priority and keeping momentum behind the broader border security agenda.