A federal judge in Virginia has temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund,” freezing any transfers, claims processing, or disbursements while legal challenges proceed.
The brief order from U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema of the Eastern District of Virginia…
The fund, operated through the Justice Department, was created as part of a settlement involving President Trump, his family, and the Trump Organization.
Under the settlement framework, individuals claiming to have been victims of politically motivated prosecutions or government abuse would be able to seek compensation, including the 1,500 Jan. 6 defendants whom Trump pardoned.
Any American—Democrat, Republican, Independent or apolitical—can file claims with the Anti-Weaponization Fund, which are then reviewed by a committee of five.
Congressional Democrats have been widely resisted to the $1.776 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund because they say it will serve as a massive “slush fund” for Trump allies.
Brinkema stated the order was needed to prevent money from being “irreversibly disbursed” before pending motions are resolved. The fund cannot formally begin distributing money until five commissioners are selected.
She set a hearing for June 12 to hear arguments over whether she should issue a more lasting pause.
