Donald Trump used a televised interview on NBC to reaffirm his backing of a $1.8 billion anti‑weaponization fund,a scheme originally tied to a settlement in his tax‑return lawusit. he also hinted that people convicted of assaulting police during the Jan. 6 Capitol breach might qualify for payments, a suggestion that inflamed already‑tense relations with Senate Republicans.

The $1.8 billion fund resurfaces amid congressional deadlock

Trump’s latest endorsement comes as the fund remains stalled in Congress, where Democrats and some Republicans have branded it a “slush fund” for political allies. The money was first proposed as compensation for victims of what Trump calls “politically motivated investigations,” a claim that the Justice Department says aligns with its mission to redress unlawful government targeting. As the report notes, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche previously declared the idea dead, but Trump’s remarks signal a willingness to revive it.

Trump suggests payments for Jan. 6 rioters convicted of assault

When pressed about whether the fund should cover individuals who attacked police on Jan. 6 , Trump initially said he needed details but later asserted, without evidence, that many protesters were “ushered into the building” and pleaded guilty out of fear. He claimed they were “destroyed by dirty cops and by weaponization” and therefore deserved compensation. This stance directly contradicts the Justice Department’s position that the fund is meant for victims of government overreach, not perpetrators of violence.

Backlash from Senate Republicans over Bill Pulte appointment

The interview also highlighted growing unease among Senate Republicans, who are already displeased with Trump’s choice of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence. Critics worry that the fund and the Jan. 6 payout idea could deepen fissures within the party, especially as some GOP senators have publicly opposed the proposal.. according to the source, the tension reflects a broader struggle over Trump’s post‑presidency influence.

Stormy barn interview ends with Trump walking out

The exchange took place in a Wisconsin barn during a thunderstorm, and it quickly turned confrontational.. Trump called the interviewer “stupid,” accused NBC of being “one‑sided and crooked,” and abruptly left the set, saying, “Let’s call it quits because I’ve had enough.” The dramatic exit underscored the volatile nature of the discussion and the high stakes surrounding the fund.

Unverified claims and missing details

Two key points remain unclear: first, whether any legal framework exists to channel the fund toward Jan. 6 defendants, and second, how the Justice Department would reconcile such payments with its mandate to protect victims of government misconduct.. The source provides no evidence for Trump’s claim that protesters were forced inside the Capitol, leaving the allegation unsubstantiated.