ALEXANDRIA, Virginia — A federal judge has extended a block on the Trump administration’s planned $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” preventing the government from establishing or operating the program, court records and officials said.
U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema issued the order Friday in the Eastern District of Virginia, extending a temporary restraining order originally granted in late May. The ruling halts any further action on the fund, including the transfer of money, consideration of claims or disbursement of payments.
The fund originated from a settlement in President Donald Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service over the leak of his tax returns. It was intended to compensate individuals who claim they were victims of politically motivated prosecutions or investigations by the federal government.
The Justice Department had previously indicated it would pause operations in response to the initial court order. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told Congress last week that the fund was “not moving forward,” according to hearing transcripts.
At a hearing Friday, Judge Brinkema expressed concerns that administration statements were not sufficiently binding, citing the lack of declarations under penalty of perjury from top officials. She indicated the block would remain in place unless senior Justice and Treasury Department leaders provide formal assurances.
Plaintiffs, including a former January 6 prosecutor and other individuals, challenged the fund in court, arguing it lacked proper authorization and raised constitutional issues.
Administration officials have defended the proposal as a means to address what they describe as past government overreach. Critics, including some lawmakers from both parties, have called it potentially inappropriate use of taxpayer funds.
“The equities and the public interest do not favor this Court interjecting itself in a political process to shut down a Fund that never got off the ground and is not going forward,” Justice Department attorneys wrote in prior court filings.
No payments have been made from the fund, officials said. The case stems from broader debates over the use of the Judgment Fund for such settlements.
As of Friday afternoon, the Justice Department had not issued an immediate response to the latest ruling. Further court proceedings are expected, with the administration required to submit additional filings within the coming week. Details on any potential appeal or next steps remain unclear.
