‘Stupid On Stilts’: GOP Senator Destroys Donald Trump’s ‘Anti-Weaponization’ Fund
Republican Senator Thom Tillis strongly criticized Donald Trump’s proposed nearly $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” calling it one of the worst ideas he has seen and warning that it could outrage many Americans across the political spectrum.
During an interview with Spectrum News, Tillis angrily pushed back against the idea of taxpayer money being used to compensate people connected to the January 6 Capitol riot. Critics say the fund would benefit Trump allies who claim they were unfairly targeted or mistreated during investigations carried out under the Biden administration.
Tillis did not hold back during the interview. He described the proposal as “stupid on stilts” and said it would force ordinary American taxpayers to help fund payouts for people who admitted guilt, assaulted police officers, were convicted in court, and later received pardons.
The senator argued that many Americans would see this as deeply unfair, especially to law enforcement officers who were injured during the Capitol attack. He stressed that taxpayers should not be forced to financially support individuals involved in violence against police officers.
According to Tillis, the idea crosses a dangerous line because it takes public money and redirects it toward causes that many citizens strongly oppose. He called that “the definition of tyranny,” arguing that government should not compel citizens to fund actions or individuals they fundamentally disagree with.
The controversy exploded after the Department of Justice announced the creation of the fund as part of a settlement connected to Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS over the leaking of his tax returns. The proposed fund has quickly triggered backlash from both Democrats and Republicans, with critics warning it could become a political reward system benefiting Trump supporters and allies.
One of the biggest points of outrage is the possibility that some January 6 rioters could receive compensation. Tillis referred to many of those individuals as “thugs” who should still be serving prison sentences for their actions during the attack on the U.S. Capitol. He made it clear he believes some participants deserved the maximum punishment allowed under the law.
The North Carolina senator also criticized acting Attorney General Todd Blanche for failing to clearly rule out compensation for people who assaulted police officers during the riot. Tillis called Blanche’s earlier comments “insulting” and “objectionable,” saying Americans deserve direct answers about where taxpayer money could end up.
The growing backlash shows that divisions inside the Republican Party over January 6 and Trump’s legal battles are still far from over. While Trump supporters argue the investigations against him and his allies were politically motivated, critics believe the proposed fund would reward criminal behavior and further damage trust in government institutions.
Political analysts say the fight over the fund could become another major flashpoint ahead of future elections, especially as lawmakers debate whether taxpayer dollars should ever be used in ways tied to controversial political investigations and pardoned individuals.
