Photo: KENT NISHIMURA / AFP / Getty Images
A federal judge has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump's "Anti-Weaponization Fund," a $1.8 billion initiative aimed at compensating individuals allegedly targeted by the Department of Justice (DOJ) under former President Biden. The fund was announced as part of a settlement between Trump and the IRS over leaked tax returns.
The fund, intended to address claims of "lawfare and weaponization," has sparked controversy and legal challenges. Critics, including House Democrats, argue it could be used to reward allies involved in the January 6 Capitol riot. The DOJ had planned to process claims through a five-person commission until December 2028.
U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams issued the temporary block, preventing the DOJ from proceeding with the fund as a lawsuit against it moves forward. A hearing is scheduled for June 12 to determine if the pause should be extended.
The fund's creation followed Trump's decision to drop a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS. The lawsuit, filed by Trump, his sons, and the Trump Organization, alleged the IRS failed to prevent a contractor from leaking their tax returns. As part of the settlement, Trump agreed to dismiss claims related to the 2016 campaign's Russia investigation and the 2022 Mar-a-Lago raid.
Despite the settlement, the fund has faced backlash. Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Jamie Raskin, criticized it as a "political slush fund." Sen. Ron Wyden called it "a stunning act of corruption," while Sen. Elizabeth Warren labeled it "corruption on steroids."
The DOJ maintains the fund is meant to correct past wrongs and prevent future misuse of government power. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized the need to ensure government machinery is not weaponized against Americans.