Key facts
- DOJ confirmed in court filings that the $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization fund' will not continue.
- This is the first official written confirmation from the DOJ regarding the fund's cessation.
- A federal judge had previously temporarily blocked the fund from being used.
- The fund was reportedly sought by January 6 rioters for legal costs.
The Department of Justice has officially stated in court filings that a $1.7 billion 'anti-weaponization fund' will not be continued. This marks the first written confirmation from the DOJ regarding the fund's cessation. A federal judge had previously blocked the $1.8 billion fund from being used after a January 6 prosecutor sued to block the Trump administration's actions. The fund had been a point of discussion, with reports indicating that individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot were seeking access to it to cover their legal expenses. The department's statement is its clearest indication to date that it is withdrawing from a plan to use taxpayer money for payments to individuals claiming political persecution.