A federal judge appointed by former President Bill Clinton has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s administration from moving forward with a nearly $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund created to compensate individuals who claim the federal government politically targeted them.
U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema issued the order Friday, preventing the administration from establishing the fund, transferring money, reviewing applications or sending payments while the legal battle continues.
The fund was created through a settlement connected to Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the Treasury Department over the leak of his 2019 tax records.
Supporters of the program argue the money is intended to compensate Americans who faced unfair treatment or politically motivated actions by the federal government.
Critics, however, have attacked the fund as a taxpayer-funded “slush fund” and raised concerns that it could provide payments to Trump allies, including some individuals connected to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol protest.
A lawsuit filed against the program argues that the fund violates federal law and the Constitution.
Brinkema’s order came less than 24 hours after plaintiffs requested emergency action to stop the program while litigation moves forward.
The judge scheduled a June 12 hearing to consider whether to impose a longer pause on the fund.
The Trump administration has until June 5 to submit arguments opposing the temporary restrictions.
The Department of Justice created the $1.776 billion fund earlier this month. The program was designed to provide financial compensation and formal apologies to individuals who successfully proved they were unfairly targeted.
Trump himself was prohibited from directly receiving payments from the fund, though critics noted that organizations or entities connected to him were not explicitly blocked from applying.
Under the plan, five commissioners were expected to oversee the program and determine who qualified for compensation.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who previously represented Trump during his criminal cases before joining the administration, was responsible for selecting commission members, per the Daily Mail.
Trump would have had the power to remove members of the commission.
The court battle now raises questions about whether the administration can continue building the program while the lawsuits move forward.
The Justice Department is also facing additional legal challenges involving the fund.
The controversy has sparked strong reactions from lawmakers across the country.
Some Democrats have proposed aggressive efforts to counter the payments, including state-level proposals that would tax recipients of the fund at 100%.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) previously backed such an effort, arguing that residents should not financially benefit from the program.
Supporters of the fund argue the lawsuits are an attempt to block compensation for people who were victims of government overreach.
Opponents argue the program lacks proper safeguards and could improperly reward political allies.
The dispute is expected to continue in federal court, with the June hearing likely to determine whether Trump’s Anti-Weaponization Fund remains frozen or is allowed to proceed while the larger legal fight unfolds.
