Representative Ro Khanna, a Democrat from California, sharply criticized Vice President JD Vance during an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” focusing on Vance’s defense of President Donald Trump’s controversial $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund.

Khanna argued that Vance is being placed in a position where he must support policies that contradict his past views and, in Khanna’s words, are “defiant of common sense.

” He suggested that Vance has become a spokesperson for unpopular and politically motivated initiatives, despite previously holding positions that were more critical of military interventions and government overreach.

Khanna specifically referenced the fund, which was established following a legal settlement tied to Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS regarding the leak of his tax returns.

Critics have described the program as a potential “slush fund” that could distribute taxpayer money to Trump allies who claim they were mistreated by the Biden-era Justice Department.

The fund has also faced legal scrutiny and bipartisan criticism, particularly due to concerns that it may benefit individuals involved in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot and other politically charged cases.During the broadcast, a clip of Vance defending the initiative was shown.

Vance argued that the fund is open to applications from both Republicans and Democrats, and he pointed to past pardons issued by Trump as evidence of broader fairness in addressing alleged “lawfare.” He also suggested that individuals like Hunter Biden could theoretically apply for compensation under the program.

Khanna, however, dismissed these justifications, stating that Vance is being used to defend controversial policies that even he may privately question.

He further accused Trump of redirecting taxpayer funds toward political allies, framing the initiative as part of a broader pattern of politically driven governance.

The exchange highlights ongoing partisan tensions over the legitimacy and intent of the “anti-weaponization” fund and its implications for federal justice and accountability.