'Not a big fan': John Thune on President Donald Trump's $1.7 billion 'slush fund'

In what many are viewing as an early sign of friction within Republican ranks, Senate Majority Leader John Thune publicly distanced himself from the Department of Justice's newly announced $1.7 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund,' which has raked up political criticism of President Donald Trump, with a section of lawmakers accusing Trump of Corruption.

The Independent asked Thune about what he thought about the $1.7 billion fund. In response, the South Dakota Republican said that he was "not a big fan." "And I'm not sure exactly how they intend to use it, but my understanding is that was just announced. But yeah, I don't see a purpose for that," Thune added.

The Department of Justice announced the creation of the 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' on Monday, with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche describing it as a mechanism to address claims from Americans who allegedly suffered "lawfare" or political targeting under the Joe Biden administration. The fund stems from the settlement of a $10 billion lawsuit filed earlier this year by Trump, his sons Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, along with the Trump Organization, against the Internal Revenue Service over the leak of Trump's tax returns.

Under the DOJ's plan, a five-member commission appointed by Blanche will oversee claims and determine compensation. The commission will also have the authority to issue formal apologies to people it concludes were unfairly investigated or prosecuted. "The machinery of government should never be weaponized against any American, and it is this Department's intention to make right the wrongs that were previously done while ensuring this never happens again," Blanche said in a statement announcing the initiative.

Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter spoke on similar lines. He argued that "the use of government power to target individuals or entities for improper and unlawful political, personal, or ideological reasons should not be tolerated by any Administration," The Independent reported. 

However, critics across the political spectrum have raised alarms about the unprecedented nature of the arrangement. Labelling it a "slush fund," Democrats have moved to block the alleged settlement deal. House Democrats, led by Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) and Rep Joe Neguse (D-CO), argue that the lawsuit is "unconstitutionally collusive" and not a "real case or controversy," given that President Trump is on both sides of the case. They called for Judge Kathleen Williams, who is presiding over the case, to dismiss the lawsuit for "lack of jurisdiction."