Federal Judge Blocks DOJ from Creating $1.8 Billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund'
A federal judge in Virginia has issued a temporary order blocking the Department of Justice (DOJ) from taking further action to create, fund, or operate the Anti-Weaponization Fund.
The Order
U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema issued a temporary restraining order on Friday that prohibits the DOJ from:
- Transferring money to the fund
- Considering claims for compensation
- Disbursing funds from the program
The order prevents any action related to the fund's establishment while the lawsuit proceeds. A hearing is scheduled for June 12 to consider a more lasting pause on the fund's creation.
Background and Origin
The DOJ announced the creation of the $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund earlier this month. The fund was established as part of a settlement of a $10 billion lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for the leak of his tax records by an employee.
According to the DOJ, the fund is intended to compensate individuals who allege they were victims of prosecutorial overreach by the DOJ under the previous administration.
Lawsuit and Objections
The fund is being challenged by a coalition of individuals and entities who argue they would be ineligible for compensation under the fund's terms. The plaintiffs requested the restraining order in a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Alexandria.
Critics have described the fund as a "slush fund" for allies of President Trump, including participants in the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot. Judge Brinkema issued the order temporarily barring the DOJ from further actions related to the fund while the lawsuit proceeds.
The White House has not commented on the court's order.