Republicans Question DOJ “Anti-Weaponization” Compensation Fund

Some Republican senators expressed concerns during a tense meeting with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche over a new Justice Department “anti-weaponization fund,” Nikole Killion reported for CBS News.

GOP senator Ted Cruz described the meeting with Blanche as "one of the roughest" he's seen in his time in the Senate, adding that there were "fireworks." (Photo: Ryan B. Miller, U.S. Department of Justice)

Sen. Tommy Tuberville described the announcement as “a curveball,” saying lawmakers were not given sufficient clarity about the $1.776 billion fund, which is intended to compensate individuals who allege political or legal “weaponization” against them.

The fund is reportedly part of a settlement linked to President Donald Trump’s lawsuit involving the IRS and Treasury Department over the leak of his tax returns.

Critics, including some Democrats, have labeled the program a “slush fund,” while the Justice Department denies the characterization.

Officials say the fund would be overseen by a five-member commission appointed by the attorney general.