Judge Halts Trump Administration’s Fund for Alleged Victims of Weaponized Government
A federal judge in Virginia has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from implementing a $1.776 billion settlement fund aimed at providing compensation to allies of the Republican president, who claim they were targeted by a weaponized government. The ruling halts the fund’s formation and potential payouts for at least two weeks.
U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema scheduled a hearing for June 12 to discuss extending the prohibition on the “Anti-Weaponization Fund” as litigation challenges it. This fund was created to settle President Donald Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS regarding the leak of his tax returns.
The Justice Department expressed confidence in the fund’s legality, citing similar precedents from the Obama administration. A spokesperson emphasized they won’t let judicial preferences impede efforts to aid lawfare victims.
The White House deferred comment to the Justice Department regarding the ruling. The judge, appointed by Democratic President Bill Clinton, granted the government a week to respond to plaintiffs seeking to freeze the fund’s implementation.
The fund has been controversial, sparking backlash from Republicans who questioned the eligibility criteria. Concerns include the possibility that individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots might apply for compensation.
The Justice Department has yet to form a commission to determine payout criteria, meaning no claims or payouts have been processed. Plaintiffs’ attorneys from Democracy Forward seek a court order to prevent fund payouts, arguing it lacks legal basis and accountability.
“President Trump and his allies have long accused Democrats of using government and the legal system as political weapons,” plaintiffs’ lawyers stated, highlighting the administration’s targeting for personal and ideological retribution.
Brinkema emphasized the importance of maintaining the status quo, preventing any irretrievable fund disbursements. Her order temporarily bars the administration from transferring money or processing claims.
In Virginia, plaintiffs include a fired prosecutor and a professor cleared of an assault charge linked to a protest. Two Washington-based lawsuits also challenge the fund, labeling it an act of presidential corruption.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, during a congressional hearing, did not rule out the possibility of January 6 rioters receiving payouts. Of the nearly 1,600 charged for riot-related crimes, over 1,200 were convicted before Trump issued pardons and commuted sentences.
Virginia case plaintiff, former Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Floyd, alleges retaliation for his role in prosecuting January 6 cases. California professor Jonathan Caravello, another plaintiff acquitted of assault, was involved in protests against an immigration raid.