{"id":2606614,"date":"2026-05-25T11:10:59","date_gmt":"2026-05-25T15:10:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/gop-senators-spurn-payouts-from-anti-weaponization-fund-2\/"},"modified":"2026-05-25T11:13:01","modified_gmt":"2026-05-25T15:13:01","slug":"gop-senators-spurn-payouts-from-anti-weaponization-fund-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/gop-senators-spurn-payouts-from-anti-weaponization-fund-2\/","title":{"rendered":"GOP senators spurn payouts from &#8216;anti-weaponization&#8217; fund"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">14<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fgop-senators-spurn-payouts-from-anti-weaponization-fund-2%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2606614&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>The Trump administration\u2019s new $1.<a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >776 billion \u201canti-weaponization\u201d fund<\/a> is intended to compensate GOP lawmakers whom the Justice Department says were targeted with \u201clawfare adn weaponization,\u201d including in the \u201cArctic Frost\u201d investigation that secretly seized some phones. The money is being framed as a deterrent against abuse by the federal government-but several senators and the Republican leadership appear reluctant to accept it, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/astonishingly-unfair-mcconnell-calls-bidens-student-loan-relief-socialism\/\" title=\"\u2018Astonishingly Unfair\u2019: McConnell Calls Biden\u2019s Student Loan Relief \u2018Socialism\u2019\">similar past proposals<\/a> have already failed in Congress.<\/p>\n<p>Sen. Rick Scott dismissed the idea of needing compensation, while Sen. Ron Johnson called the fund a reasonable deterrent in principle but said he himself would not apply. A DOJ memo circulated to senators outlines who could qualify, including those whose phone records were subpoenaed, drawing attention to broader political and legal tensions.<\/p>\n<p>Despite some rhetorical support from Trump allies-such as Lindsey Graham,who has argued for making the government \u201churt\u201d to prevent future targeting-efforts to build large,explicit payout provisions into othre legislation have been blocked by GOP opposition. Trump defended the fund on social media by claiming he traded away a major settlement in his own IRS\/tax-record case to establish the program. Other critics, like Sen. Rand Paul, argued that justice should apply equally to everyone, regardless of elected status, and questioned the popularity of additional payouts in court and in public opinion.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<article class=\"fn-body\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Trump administration\u2019s <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/policy\/finance\/4577926\/todd-blanche-lobby-gop-senators-on-antiweaponization-fund\/\">$1.776 billion \u201canti-weaponization\u201d fund<\/a> could be a boon for GOP senators targeted by a <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/senate\/3891534\/thune-senate-gop-backlash-arctic-frost-surveillance-provision\/\">Biden-era investigation<\/a>, but some say they still do not want the taxpayer payout.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Settlements for those the Justice Department deems were victims of \u201clawfare and weaponization\u201d under past administrations is the latest attempt to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/john-kerry-says-us-wont-pay-into-climate-reparations-fund\/\" title=\"John Kerry: US won&#039;t contribute to climate reparations ....\">provide financial compensation<\/a> to Republican senators whose phone records were tapped in the \u201cArctic Frost\u201d investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 election.<\/p>\n<section class=\"explore-more-section\" id=\"wex-recommended-widget\">\n<div class=\"magazine-container single\">\n<h1 class=\"magazine-title mt-2\">Recommended Stories<\/h1>\n<p>             <i class=\"fa-solid fa-play icon\"><\/i>         <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-grid\">\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/senate\/4579639\/gop-senators-spurn-anti-weaponization-fund-phone-data\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>GOP senators spurn anti-weaponization fund payout for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/lindsey-graham-eyes-big-payday-from-biden-era-phone-data-seizure\/\" title=\"... eyes big payday from Biden-era phone data seizure\">phone data seizure<\/a>: \u2018I don\u2019t need any compensation\u2019<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/senate\/4580223\/jim-banks-stefanik-intelligence-chief\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Trump ally Jim Banks floats Stefanik as next intelligence chief<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/senate\/4579903\/thom-tillis-trump-stupid-stuff-hurting-gop\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Thom Tillis claps back at Trump over \u2018stupid stuff\u2019 hurting GOP<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, the Republican-controlled Congress has already rejected similar past proposals. The DOJ\u2019s fund is a venture from the administration, not directly tied to Congress, yet outrage from GOP senators <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/senate\/4578862\/gop-caps-turbulent-week-points-finger-white-house-bill-blunder\/\">tanked the upper chamber\u2019s plans<\/a> to advance a Trump-inspired $70 billion immigration enforcement bill. The DOJ money could benefit 2021 Capitol rioters, creating a major friction point.<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI don\u2019t need any compensation for that,\u201d Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL), whose phone records were subpoenaed, told the <em>Washington Examiner<\/em>. <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Scott declined to elaborate whether it was appropriate for other lawmakers to seek compensation, should they choose to do so, but noted that he is <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.politico.com\/news\/2026\/03\/24\/rick-scott-sues-booz-allen-00842416\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.politico.com\/news\/2026\/03\/24\/rick-scott-sues-booz-allen-00842416\">seeking damages from government consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton<\/a> over a leak of his confidential tax returns. The DOJ fund was created as part of a settlement resolving Trump\u2019s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service for leaking his tax records.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI), another lawmaker whose phone records were secretly seized and revealed last fall by a Senate investigation into \u201cArctic Frost,\u201d defended the fund as a deterrent against \u201cthe federal government from abusing its citizens.\u201d Still, Johnson said he personally \u201cwould not apply\u201d for a settlement.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A DOJ memo with details of how the fund would operate was circulated to senators as part of its lobbying effort to salvage deteriorating negotiations over the GOP\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/gop-senators-spurn-payouts-from-anti-weaponization-fund\/\" title=\"GOP ... spurn payouts from anti-weaponization ...\">immigration reconciliation bill<\/a>. It lists \u201cSenators whose phone records were subpoenaed\u201d under a section laying out who could benefit. Some current and former House Republicans\u2019 phone records were also targeted and would likely be eligible. <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But even those such as Johnson who have offered favorable rhetoric toward the fund have <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/mkraju\/status\/2057524067725348919?s=20\">acknowledged<\/a> the political toxicity of the timing. There were underlying tensions from Trump\u2019s revenge tour against incumbent senators and quarrels over the reconciliation bill\u2019s $220 million in security funding for the president\u2019s yet-to-be-built East Wing ballroom.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Trump laid out his latest defense of the DOJ fund on Friday, contending he \u201cgave up\u201d a large settlement from the federal government in his IRS litigation in exchange for establishing the $1.776 billion program. The figure is based on America\u2019s founding 250 years ago.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL), joined by Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI), right, holds a news conference in his Capitol Hill office in Washington on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. (AP Photo\/J. Scott Applewhite)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI gave up a lot of money in allowing the just announced Anti-Weaponization Fund to go forward,\u201d Trump wrote on Truth Social. \u201cI could have settled my case, including the illegal release of my Tax Returns and the equally illegal BREAK IN of Mar-a-Lago, for an absolute fortune. Instead, I am helping others, who were so badly abused by an evil, corrupt, and weaponized Biden Administration, receive, at long last, JUSTICE! President DJT.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), a close Trump ally, also had his phone records subpoenaed and has been the fiercest advocate on Capitol Hill to allow lawmakers like him to seek reparations. But efforts in recent months to tuck provisions into broader legislation for upwards of $500,000 payouts per lawmaker were rebuffed over uproar from House Republicans. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/senate\/3893002\/lindsey-graham-eyes-big-payday-phone-data-seizure\/\">Graham\u2019s rationale<\/a> has centered on making it \u201churt as much as I possibly can\u201d for the federal government \u201cso nobody will do this again.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/senate\/4578862\/gop-caps-turbulent-week-points-finger-white-house-bill-blunder\/\">GOP CAPS TURBULENT WEEK, POINTING FINGER AT WHITE HOUSE FOR IMMIGRATION BILL BLUNDER<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) suggested the notion of another attempted payout was clearly an unpopular one, having already litigated the subject in the court of public opinion.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI think things need to be the same for everyone,\u201d Paul told the <em>Washington Examiner<\/em>. \u201cJustice is when things occur that aren\u2019t different for you because you\u2019re in elected office.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>David Sivak contributed to this report.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Trump\u2019s $1.776B anti-weaponization fund may help GOP senators, but many still oppose taxpayer payouts<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3108,"featured_media":2606615,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AP25253569941080.jpg?w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[36513,6203,50611,5894,3709],"class_list":["post-2606614","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-federal-funding","tag-gop","tag-national-security-2","tag-politics","tag-senators"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AP25253569941080.jpg?w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2606614","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3108"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2606614"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2606614\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2606618,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2606614\/revisions\/2606618"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2606615"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2606614"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2606614"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2606614"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}