DOJ Agrees to Pause $1.8 Billion Anti-Weaponization Fund Amid Court Order and Backlash
8 verified4 unconfirmed
The Justice Department said Monday it will comply with a federal court order temporarily blocking the creation of a $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund. The fund was established as part of a settlement of President Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS. It faced legal challenges and opposition from both Democrats and some Republicans, which delayed legislative action on immigration enforcement funding. A federal judge in Virginia issued the temporary pause on Friday after a lawsuit from a former federal prosecutor and others, with a hearing set for June 12. Another judge in Florida is questioning whether the settlement was legitimate, giving Trump’s lawyers until June 12 to respond. The DOJ posted on X that it disagrees with the ruling but will abide by it. The fund aimed to provide taxpayer-funded payouts to individuals who alleged the government was weaponized against them, including some involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.
What’s verified
The fund was approximately $1.8 billion.
It was created as part of a settlement of Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS.
A federal judge in Virginia temporarily blocked the fund from disbursing money or taking any further action.
The Justice Department said it will abide by that court order.
The fund aimed to provide payouts to individuals who alleged the government was weaponized against them.
Some Trump allies and people charged in connection with the January 6 Capitol attack expressed interest in submitting claims.
The fund drew opposition from Democrats and some Republicans, causing a delay in votes on Department of Homeland Security immigration enforcement funding.
A hearing on the fund is scheduled for June 12.
Not yet confirmed
It is unclear whether the fund will be permanently dropped or if the administration will seek to revive it.
House Speaker Mike Johnson met with Trump at the White House on Monday to discuss the fund, according to a single report.
Former Vice President Mike Pence said on “Face the Nation” he hopes the administration will abandon the fund, according to a single report.
A separate case in Florida involves Judge Kathleen Williams questioning whether the settlement was a fraud, with a June 12 deadline for Trump’s lawyers to respond.
Key figures
President Donald Trump, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema (Virginia), U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams (Florida), Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, former Vice President Mike Pence.
Sources: vox.com, NPR, CBS News
