Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has strongly criticized the Trump administration’s proposed $1.8 billion compensation fund, arguing that it could reward individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

The fund, described by the administration as an “anti-weaponisation fund,” was created to compensate people who claim they were unfairly targeted by previous government investigations and prosecutions. However, Pence said the initiative was a “bad idea from the start” and urged officials to abandon it.

Speaking to NBC News, Pence said it would be “deeply offensive” if people who assaulted police officers or vandalized the Capitol were allowed to receive compensation. Pence himself was forced into hiding during the riot as hundreds of supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol while Congress was certifying the 2020 election results.

The proposal has faced criticism from lawmakers in both major political parties. A federal judge has temporarily blocked the creation of the fund until a court hearing scheduled for June 12. Despite the backlash, the Justice Department insists the fund is legal and necessary to provide restitution to individuals who were allegedly subjected to improper government actions.