Judge Temporarily Blocks President Trump's $1.8 Billion Anti-Weaponization Fund

Overview

• U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema issued a temporary injunction on Friday, May 29, preventing the Justice Department from creating or operating the $1.776 billion program.
• The order specifically bars moving money into the fund, reviewing claims, or making any distributions until an initial hearing set for June 12.
• The Justice Department announced the Anti-Weaponization Fund last week as part of a settlement that ended President Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS and said the money would come from a reserve used for federal settlements.
• The injunction followed a lawsuit by plaintiffs represented by Democracy Forward who say they were targeted by the government yet face exclusion from eligibility, and at least two additional suits have been filed in Washington and California.
• Lawmakers and ethics groups warn the fund could direct taxpayer dollars to political allies, including people tied to January 6 cases, and the court pause leaves claimants without relief while broader questions about spending authority and fairness are litigated.