Pence calls Trump's 'anti-weaponisation' fund 'deeply offensive' and says it should be dropped

May 31, 2026

The Trump administration's newly announced $1. 8 billion compensation fund for alleged victims of government persecution has drawn fierce opposition from former Vice President Mike Pence and lawmakers from both parties. The fund, created through a settlement involving Trump's leaked tax records, could potentially compensate January 6 Capitol rioters who received blanket pardons from Trump, including those who assaulted police officers.

Who is affected

Former Vice President Mike Pence
Nearly 1,600 people charged with crimes from the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot (including approximately 175 charged with using weapons or causing serious bodily injury to officers)
Roughly 140 police officers who were injured during the riot
Democratic and Republican lawmakers who were in the Capitol during the attack
President Trump (regarding his lawsuit against the IRS over leaked tax records)
Potentially "tens of millions of Americans" claimed to have been subjected to government targeting (according to the administration's justification)

What action is being taken

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the fund from being created until a hearing scheduled for June 12
Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick is planning to introduce legislation to kill the fund
Democratic and Republican lawmakers are pressing acting Attorney General Todd Blanche for more details about fund eligibility

Why it matters

This fund represents a significant controversy because it could provide taxpayer-funded compensation to individuals who violently attacked the U.S. Capitol, assaulted police officers, and disrupted the certification of a presidential election. The potential for January 6 rioters to receive monetary awards has proven offensive to those who were victimized during the attack, including Pence himself, and has generated rare bipartisan opposition. The fund also raises broader questions about accountability for the Capitol riot and whether those who committed crimes should be financially rewarded rather than held responsible for their actions.

What's next

A federal court hearing on the fund is scheduled for June 12
Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick plans to introduce legislation to effectively eliminate the fund

Read full article from source: BBC