- Trump warned that the anti-weaponization fund would return if Todd Blanche is not confirmed as attorney general.
- Sen. John Kennedy stated he would exclude Jan. 6 rioters from receiving funds from the proposed legislation.
- Kennedy emphasized he would not give Trump a blank check regarding the anti-weaponization fund legislation.
- The anti-weaponization fund is a $1.776 billion fund established by the Department of Justice to assist individuals claiming political backlash.
- Kennedy noted that individuals who believe they have been wronged by the federal government can already file claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act.
- Kennedy expressed skepticism about the likelihood of reaching a deal regarding Blanche's nomination, stating, 'I wouldn’t bet my house on it.'
Sen. John Kennedy has made it clear that he will not support former President Trump's proposed anti-weaponization fund without significant changes, particularly regarding its application to those involved in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Speaking on NBC's 'Meet the Press', Kennedy stated, "I would take that issue completely off the table."1235
Kennedy's comments come amid ongoing discussions about the $1.776 billion fund, which aims to provide compensation to individuals claiming political victimization. Critics argue that it could benefit those pardoned for their roles in the January 6 events. Kennedy emphasized, "If somebody thinks they were abused by the federal government when they were punished, by attacking the Capitol in a riot that got totally out of control, right now they have the right to file a Federal Tort Claims Act against the federal government, and a federal judge will decide."6
While he expressed openness to reviewing any proposed legislation, Kennedy firmly stated, "I’m not going to give him a blank check." He also noted that individuals already have access to compensation through existing laws, indicating that the current system is sufficient for those who feel wronged by the government.
Kennedy's stance reflects a broader concern among some Republican senators regarding the fund's implications and its potential to reward individuals involved in the Capitol insurrection. As discussions continue, the future of the fund and the nomination of Todd Blanche as attorney general remain uncertain, with Kennedy admitting, "I don’t know if they’ll reach a deal... the odds are against it."
“Trump warned Sens. John Cornyn and Thom Tillis that the $1.776 billion anti-weaponization fund would return unless Todd Blanche is confirmed as attorney general. Kennedy pointed to the existing Federal Tort Claims Act as an alternative and said he would take Jan. 6 defendants 'off the table.'”
