GOP Pushback Delays Immigration Funding Vote
Senate Republicans broke with President Donald Trump on Thursday,May 22,2026 over a proposed $1.8 billion settlement fund for individuals claiming political persecution, forcing lawmakers to delay a major immigration-enforcement funding vote. The proposed anti-weaponisation fund has become a priority for Trump, who has argued that his supporters, including some people prosecuted after the January 6 Capitol attack, were unfairly targeted by the previous administration.
Republicans Question Settlement Fund
Several Republican senators publicly criticized the proposal. Senator John Curtis said he did not support the fund and doubted that added safeguards would fix the problem. Senator Thom Tillis, who has often clashed with Trump and is retiring, called the proposal a “payout pot for punks.” With GOP divisions unresolved, Senate Majority Leader John Thune sent senators home for the Memorial Day recess, making it unlikely Congress will meet Trump’s June 1 deadline to approve funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol operations.
ICE And Border Patrol Package Stalls
Republicans had hoped to advance a $70 billion multiyear package for ICE and Border Patrol before sending it to the House. Some GOP senators sought restrictions on the settlement fund, directly challenging Trump’s position. Lawmakers were also concerned that Democrats could force politically difficult amendment votes tied to the proposal. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche met senators behind closed doors to explain the fund, but the meeting did not appear to resolve concerns.
Fund Tied To Trump IRS Lawsuit
The fund emerged from Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service over the illegal disclosure of his tax returns by a contractor. Trump later dropped the lawsuit in exchange for the creation of the fund and an agreement ending pending tax audits involving him and his businesses. A Justice Department memo said Democrats could also submit claims and stated that Trump, his sons and the Trump Organization would receive an apology but no monetary payment.
Democrats Attack GOP Divisions
Democrats sharply criticized the proposal, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer calling it a slush fund and vowing to oppose it through legal and legislative means. The dispute adds to wider Republican tensions ahead of the midterm elections, especially after Trump endorsed Ken Paxton over Senator John Cornyn in Texas. Some Republicans also resisted a separate proposal for White House security upgrades and Trump’s planned ballroom project, further exposing divisions over spending and political priorities.
