Primary Results, DOJ Scraps Anti-Weaponization Fund, Trump Appoints Acting DNI

The Trump administration has scrapped its controversial $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund meant to compensate individuals claiming to be victims of politicized investigations—though a key part of the underlying deal still shields Trump, his family, and businesses from IRS scrutiny of past tax returns. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed the fund is dead, but the immunity clause remains, sparking bipartisan outrage. Meanwhile, President Trump appointed Bill Pulte, a housing executive with no intelligence background, as acting director of national intelligence, drawing sharp criticism even from some Republicans who questioned his qualifications. Pulte’s appointment appears tied to his history of targeting Trump’s political enemies through housing-related fraud allegations, raising concerns about politicizing national security. In primaries across Iowa, Montana, California, and South Dakota, Trump-backed candidates faced setbacks, signaling potential vulnerabilities in the GOP’s midterm strategy. Democrats are positioning moderate candidates in red states, while California’s top-two primary system could leave Republicans without a strong gubernatorial nominee to bolster House races. The episode reveals a growing rift within the Republican Party over Trump’s tactics, with lawmakers blocking immigration funding over the fund controversy and questioning the appointment of a non-intelligence expert to the nation’s top spy job.