US judge indefinitely blocks Trump's 'anti-weaponization' fund

A federal judge has indefinitely blocked the Justice Department’s proposed $1.776 billion “anti-weaponization” fund, intended to compensate individuals who claim to be victims of a weaponized government. U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema extended the block, requiring the administration to provide a sworn statement confirming the fund will not be revived.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche previously informed lawmakers that the government was abandoning plans for the fund due to bipartisan opposition. However, plaintiffs’ attorneys expressed dissatisfaction with verbal assurances, prompting the judge’s order to ensure the fund’s cancellation is formally declared.

The fund was established as part of President Donald Trump’s settlement of his lawsuit against the IRS concerning the leak of his tax returns. Plaintiffs argue that the government cannot legally divert taxpayer money into what they describe as a "slush fund" for compensating Trump’s allies. Judge Brinkema’s order extended a previous temporary block on the fund.