Judge Blocks Trump’s $1.8 Billion Weaponization Fund
CNBC reported Friday that a federal judge has temporarily halted the Trump administration’s effort to launch a nearly $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund. The fund was designed to compensate people who claim they were targeted by what the administration calls government “weaponization.”
Fund Creation Comes to a Standstill
U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema of the Eastern District of Virginia issued the order Friday. It bars the administration from taking any further steps to establish or operate the anti-weaponization fund. The freeze remains in place at least until June 12, while the court hears additional legal arguments.
The ruling came after plaintiffs said government attorneys had declined to give more than 24 hours’ notice before moving money into the fund. The group argued that window was insufficient. Courts could find themselves unable to intervene before disbursements began.
Background: Where the Fund Came From
The Justice Department announced the fund on May 18 as part of a settlement tied to President Donald Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service. That suit stemmed from the unauthorized leak of his tax returns. Under the settlement terms, a five-member commission would oversee payments from a $1.776 billion pool. Recipients would need to demonstrate harm from what Trump allies have labelled “lawfare.” No commissioners have been publicly named. The DOJ had planned to transfer funds within 60 days of the announcement.
The fund drew swift backlash. Even some Republican lawmakers objected, raising concerns that participants in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack could receive taxpayer-funded compensation. Critics broadly dismissed the mechanism as a political slush fund.
Also Read: What Is the IRS Tax Leak Case and Why Does It Matter?
Lawsuit Alleges Political Targeting
The case before Judge Brinkema was filed by Democracy Forward, an advocacy group that opposes the Trump administration. The plaintiffs include a former DOJ prosecutor who brought cases against January 6 defendants and a California academic detained during an immigration enforcement action. The group argues its members would be ineligible for fund payouts due to their perceived political affiliations.
Democracy Forward chief Skye Perryman said the ruling represented a win for transparency and the rule of law. She argued no administration holds the authority to distribute public money through what she called a political rewards program. The Justice Department pushed back, saying it remains confident the fund is legal. A DOJ spokesperson said acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has maintained the fund carries no partisan eligibility requirements.
At least two other legal challenges to the fund are also pending.
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