Story perspectives

Judge blocks $1.8B anti-weaponization fund; Trump audit barred till 2026

6/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

Senate Republicans’ pushback abruptly halted the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the Justice Department will not proceed and will obey the judge’s order.
A federal judge on May 29 ordered a temporary stop and a June 12 deadline.
Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin introduced the Drain the Slush Fund Act to bar payouts.
Settlement bars the IRS from auditing President Donald Trump and his sons before May 18 2026.

History

Historical Context

October 1998 saw the House open an impeachment inquiry into President Bill Clinton, culminating in his December 19 impeachment and a Senate trial that concluded on February 12 1999 with a 55-45 perjury vote and a 50-50 obstruction tie—both below the two-thirds threshold. Today, Senate Republicans blocking a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund reflect a similar partisan stalemate.

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Story summary

Senate Republicans’ pushback abruptly halted the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the Justice Department will not proceed and will obey the judge’s order.
A federal judge on May 29 ordered a temporary stop and a June 12 deadline.
Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin introduced the Drain the Slush Fund Act to bar payouts.
Settlement bars the IRS from auditing President Donald Trump and his sons before May 18 2026.

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