US Judge Temporarily Blocks Trump’s $1.8 Billion Anti-Weaponization Fund

A U.S. federal judge has temporarily stopped President Donald Trump’s administration from moving forward with a nearly $1.8 billion compensation fund designed for people who claim they were harmed by alleged government “weaponization.”

Trump Anti-Weaponization Fund Faces Court Challenge

U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema issued an order on Friday blocking the administration from taking further steps to create or operate the fund while legal arguments continue. The order will remain in place until at least June 12.

The Justice Department announced the “Anti-Weaponization Fund” last week as part of a settlement linked to Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service over leaked tax records. The proposed $1.776 billion program would be managed by a five-member commission and offer payments to individuals claiming they were victims of political targeting or “lawfare.”

Legal Concerns Over Fund Eligibility

A lawsuit filed by a group that says it was politically targeted challenged the fund, arguing eligibility rules could unfairly exclude critics of the Trump administration.

Critics, including some Republicans, have also raised concerns that people involved in the January 6 Capitol riot could receive taxpayer funded compensation. The Justice Department defended the plan, saying the fund does not include political requirements and remains legally sound.