Justice Department Withdraws Plan for $1.8 Billion Fund

The Justice Department has decided not to pursue the establishment of a $1.8 billion fund aimed at compensating individuals who claimed they were politically persecuted. This decision was confirmed on Friday through legal filings in two cases contesting the fund.

The announcement serves as the department’s most definitive statement to date, indicating a retreat from plans to allocate taxpayer money for people alleging persecution by federal prosecutors. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche had initially hesitated to commit in writing to this decision.

On Tuesday, Mr. Blanche told a House subcommittee that the Trump administration had abandoned the fund idea. This concept had faced criticism from Democrats for potential corruption and prompted skepticism among some Republicans. During his Capitol Hill appearance, Mr. Blanche was reluctant to officially document his commitment, and later, President Trump suggested he was still open to the fund.

Further uncertainty about Republican opposition arose when the Senate, following an all-night session, voted against efforts to terminate the fund while deliberating on a bill financing President Trump’s immigration policies.