GOP senators slam Trump’s 'anti-weaponization' fund as 'galactic blunder'

Republican senators are rebelling against US President Donald Trump over a proposed $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund, putting the party’s immigration enforcement package into doubt ahead of the Memorial Day recess.

The fund, announced by the United States Department of Justice, has sparked anger among GOP lawmakers who said they were blindsided by the proposal.

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Th e wider bill was expected to provide billions of dollars for immigration enforcement and border security, but Republican leaders now fear they may not have enough votes to pass it.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune admitted lawmakers were not warned in advance.

“And I think they probably would have gotten plenty of advice from lots of folks about it. But it’s water under the bridge now,” Thune told reporters.

Republican Senator Susan Collins said she opposed the plan, adding: “I do not support the weaponization fund as it has been described.”

North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis akso criticised the proposal, calling it “just stupid on stilts.”

Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson described the rollout as “a galactic blunder.”