A federal judge on Friday temporarily blocked the Trump administration from establishing and operating its controversial $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” dealing a major setback to one of President Donald Trump’s most controversial post-election legal initiatives.
U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema ordered the Department of Justice not to move forward with the fund while legal challenges proceed. The fund was created as part of a settlement agreement that led Trump to drop his $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service over the leak of his tax records.
According to a Justice Department press release, the fund was intended to create a process to “hear and redress claims” from individuals who allegedly suffered from government “weaponization” and “lawfare.” The DOJ said the fund would have the authority to issue formal apologies and monetary compensation to approved claimants.
The fund, valued at approximately $1.776 billion, immediately drew criticism from legal experts, Democrats, and some Republicans, who argued it could function as a political slush fund and potentially provide payments to Trump allies, including some individuals prosecuted in connection with the January 6 Capitol riot.
Brinkema’s order temporarily halts any transfers or payouts from the fund pending further court review. A hearing on the matter is reportedly scheduled for June 12.
The fund was originally slated to remain in operation until December 1, 2028, shortly before the end of Trump’s second term in office.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
