Justice Department pauses $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund after court ruling
6 verified10 unconfirmed
The U.S. Justice Department said Monday it will comply with a federal judge’s ruling temporarily blocking the nearly $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund.” The fund was created as part of a settlement of President Donald Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service over the leak of his tax returns. The department said it disagrees strongly with the ruling but will abide by it. The fund has drawn bipartisan backlash, with critics noting it could potentially compensate individuals charged in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche faced criticism from Republican senators during a closed-door meeting last month. A hearing to consider extending the pause is scheduled for June 12.
What’s verified
The U.S. Justice Department said it will comply with a court ruling temporarily blocking the nearly $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund.
The fund was established to settle President Donald Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service.
The fund has faced backlash from both Democrats and some Republicans.
Critics have noted the fund could be used to compensate individuals charged in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche faced criticism from Republican senators during a closed-door meeting.
A hearing to consider extending the court’s order blocking the fund is scheduled for June 12.
Not yet confirmed
These facts were reported by only one of the two sources:
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Senate Democrats will push legislation to permanently block the fund.
A federal judge in Florida ordered Trump’s attorneys to respond to allegations of collusion related to the settlement.
An unnamed administration official was reported to have said the fund is “dead for now.”
Two officers who helped protect the Capitol during the Jan. 6 riots have sued to block the fund.
Republican Sen. Thom Tillis called the fund a “payout for punks.”
Sen. Mitch McConnell called the fund “utterly stupid” and “morally wrong.”
Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick and Tom Suozzi introduced legislation to block taxpayer money for the fund.
The Justice Department said the fund was open to anyone regardless of party.
Sen. Ted Cruz described a meeting with Blanche as one of “the roughest meetings” he has seen.
Key figures
Donald Trump, President of the United States
Todd Blanche, acting U.S. Attorney General
Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader
John Thune, Senate Majority Leader
Ted Cruz, U.S. Senator from Texas
Thom Tillis, U.S. Senator from North Carolina
Mitch McConnell, U.S. Senator from Kentucky
Brian Fitzpatrick, U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania
Tom Suozzi, U.S. Representative from New York
Sources: cbc.ca, time.com
