GOP senators balk at Trump's $1.8-billion 'anti-weaponization' fund, force delay in key vote
Key takeaways
- WASHINGTON — President Trump’s grip on his party slipped on Thursday as anger boiled over among Senate Republicans about a growing list of issues.
- Many senators had grown frustrated over Trump’s decision to endorse candidates running against longtime Republican incumbents.
- Others, worried about rising costs as a result from the war in Iran, had aired concerns ahead of the midterm elections.
Acting Atty. Gen. Todd Blanche at the Capitol on Thursday, where he met with Republican senators. Senate Republicans stalemated over President Trump’s $1.8-billion account to pay political allies alleged to be victims of government “weaponization.” (Aaron Schwartz/Bloomberg via Getty Images) By Ana Ceballos and Justine Mc Daniel May 21, 2026 Updated 3:13 PM PT 8 min Click here to listen to this article Share via Close extra sharing options Email Facebook X Linked In Threads Reddit Whats App Copy Link URL Copied! Print 0:00 0:00 1x This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here.
WASHINGTON — President Trump’s grip on his party slipped on Thursday as anger boiled over among Senate Republicans about a growing list of issues.
In a striking display of defiance, GOP senators abruptly derailed plans to vote on legislation to fund Trump’s immigration crackdown amid deep disagreements over security funding for a White House ballroom and a $1.8-billion fund to pay people who claim to have been politically persecuted.