On Tuesday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) vowed to force a Senate vote to permanently eliminate a $1.8 billion Trump administration fund after reports said the program was being scrapped amid Republican backlash.
Schumer said, "Blanche and Trump's words are worthless," arguing that verbal assurances from President Donald Trump and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche cannot be trusted.
He added that "the only way to stop Trump's nearly $2 billion MAGA slush fund and his blank check to commit tax fraud is to abolish it by law – permanently."
He said Senate Democrats will force a floor vote to end what he described as a corrupt arrangement, insisting legislation is needed to prevent any future revival.
The Trump administration had scrapped a nearly $1.8 billion fund intended to compensate President Trump's allies, Blanche told lawmakers.
He said during a House hearing that "we are not moving forward with the fund, period," confirming it would not proceed.
The move followed bipartisan criticism and a court pause over concerns about oversight and possible payouts to individuals tied to the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.
Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) linked the fund to broader economic concerns, saying rising gas prices were affecting Americans while Trump was directing billions toward his supporters and tax breaks for the wealthy.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) accused the administration of misusing taxpayer money, saying funds were being diverted from affordability efforts.
He added that the money was instead being used for controversial initiatives, including a "slush fund" tied to the January 6 Capitol attack and other disputed spending priorities.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also criticized a $1.776 billion compensation fund for individuals targeted by federal investigations.
She said it extended beyond pardons for January 6 defendants and amounted to rewarding political allies with taxpayer money.
Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) said similar funds and White House spending plans could have been redirected toward infrastructure, public health and education, including repairs, lead pipe replacement and school meal programs.
