President Donald Trump listens during a Cabinet meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House, May 27, 2026 in Washington.Kent Nishimura/AFP via Getty Images
Senator Cory Booker, a Democrat, indicated on Sunday that he anticipates increased Republican resistance to President Donald Trump’s policy initiatives, particularly following the administration’s recent proposal for a $1.8 billion fund dedicated to combating weaponization, among other measures.
"We engaged in a revolution to prevent precisely this – a leader seizing public resources and acting unilaterally without oversight," Booker stated to Jonathan Karl, co-anchor of ABC News’ "This Week." "This president is providing an instructive example of our democracy’s vulnerability by dismantling it."
The proposed anti-weaponization fund would enable individuals claiming to be victims of governmental actions to seek restitution, potentially encompassing those convicted but subsequently pardoned by Trump for their involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol events.
Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., appears on ABC News’ “This Week” on May 31, 2026.ABC News
However, the establishment of this fund was temporarily suspended by a federal judge on Friday. This injunction is one of several actions by Trump that have been restrained by the courts over the past week. In a separate legal matter, a federal judge ordered the removal of Trump’s name from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
The president publicly denounced the judicial decision on his social media platform, harshly criticizing the judge responsible. Nevertheless, he suggested a path forward.
"We will collaborate with Congress to return this underperforming establishment to their jurisdiction, enabling them to decide its future," Trump posted on Friday.
Booker strongly condemned the president for initially associating his name with the arts center and indicated he had discussed the situation with his Republican colleagues. Further dissent has emerged from within the president’s own party in recent weeks, following the defeat of several incumbent Republicans by Trump-backed candidates in primary elections, including Senators Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and John Cornyn of Texas.
When questioned about the likelihood of additional Republican pushback, Booker affirmed that he was "absolutely expecting" it.
"In private dialogues… Republicans articulate their profound dismay at this conduct," Booker remarked. "The president took one of our cherished tributes to a fallen president and affixed his name to it. What could possibly follow? The Trump-Lincoln Memorial? May God bless America."
Democrats have consistently voiced criticism of the president’s actions in appending his name and likeness to other American institutions or symbols. This includes the administration’s recent proposal to feature his image on a special $250 banknote in commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary, an initiative that would necessitate congressional legislative changes to permit a living individual’s depiction on U.S. currency.
President Donald Trump listens during a Cabinet meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House, May 27, 2026 in Washington.Kent Nishimura/AFP via Getty Images
Booker stated on Sunday that the commemoration of the nation’s founding should not be centered around the president.
"This embodies the issue with Trump. He functions as a chief divider," Booker asserted. "What I trust individuals are perceiving in this is not his intent, but a reminder of the enduring essence of American history. It has always signified the supremacy of the populace over those in authority."
With the midterm elections merely five months away, Democrats are exploring avenues in both the House and Senate to impede Trump’s agenda.
One of the most closely contested electoral battles is unfolding in Maine, where Republican Senator Susan Collins is facing a challenge from an unconventional candidate, Graham Platner. Platner has already been embroiled in other controversies. However, reports from the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times over the weekend indicated that Platner’s wife, Amy Gertner, allegedly informed the campaign during the initial vetting phase that Platner had dispatched numerous sexually explicit messages to other women.
In response, Gertner released a video on X, affirming the strength of their marital bond and their engagement in marital counseling.
When inquired on Sunday whether Booker harbored reservations about Platner potentially jeopardizing Democratic control of the Senate, Booker confirmed his concerns.
"Yes, I have apprehensions. That individual needs to provide answers," Booker stated. "That is the purpose of election campaigns."
Booker did not specify whether he would withdraw his support from Platner, but emphasized his focus on aiding Democrats in regaining control of the Senate.
“I am aware that much is contingent upon Democrats securing control of the Senate,” Booker commented. “Should we fail to achieve the necessary votes to secure both the House and the Senate in this election, we will continue to contend with an unchecked president.”
Sourse: abcnews.go.com