A report by The Atlantic alleges that plans connected to the Trump administration's proposed $1.776 billion 'Anti-Weaponization' fund may not have been fully abandoned despite public statements that the initiative was canceled.

The fund drew bipartisan criticism because opponents argued it could be used to compensate individuals and allies who claimed they were unfairly targeted by previous government actions.Following the backlash, administration officials publicly indicated that the proposal would not move forward.

However, according to eight unnamed sources cited by The Atlantic, some Justice Department officials and individuals close to the White House have continued discussing ways to provide compensation through alternative mechanisms.

The sources claimed that officials are considering whether parts of the original concept can be revived or replaced with other legal and administrative arrangements.One option reportedly under consideration would involve potential beneficiaries filing lawsuits against the federal government.

The Department of Justice could then settle those claims and provide payments through existing compensation programs rather than through the previously proposed fund.

The report states that discussions are being kept out of public view while officials wait for political opposition to diminish and while the confirmation process for Todd Blanche as permanent attorney general proceeds.The issue has also affected congressional negotiations.

Senate Republicans reportedly declined to include restrictions on the proposed fund in legislation related to immigration enforcement after receiving assurances that the administration would not proceed with it.Additionally, a federal judge in Washington, D.C.

, declined to issue a temporary restraining order blocking the fund because it had ostensibly been canceled, while cautioning the Justice Department against implementing a substantially similar program through alternative channels.