WASHINGTON — The Justice Department said Monday it will abide by a federal judge’s ruling that temporarily pauses the Trump administration’s planned $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund.
The department announced it would comply with the temporary restraining order issued last week by U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema in the Eastern District of Virginia, which blocks any establishment or payments from the fund while a legal challenge proceeds.
The fund, described by the administration as approximately $1.776 billion to $1.8 billion, was intended to compensate individuals who claim they were targeted or persecuted by the federal government, with eligibility open across political affiliations. Critics, including some lawmakers from both parties, raised concerns about its potential use and oversight.
In a statement posted on X, the Justice Department expressed strong disagreement with the court’s decision but affirmed compliance. “The Department of Justice disagrees strongly with the decision on the Anti-Weaponization Fund... This Fund was open to anybody who was so weaponized, targeted, or persecuted, whether they were Democrat, Republican, Conservative, Independent, or otherwise. The Department will abide by the Court’s ruling,” the statement said.
The pause follows a lawsuit filed by Democracy Forward and other plaintiffs challenging the fund’s creation. Judge Brinkema’s order aims to prevent irreversible disbursement of funds pending further hearings, scheduled for June 12.
The development comes amid broader discussions in Congress about the fund, which had drawn bipartisan pushback. Details on the exact allocation, application process and specific intended recipients remain subject to ongoing legal and political scrutiny.
As of Monday, no payments from the fund have been made, according to available reports. The Justice Department has indicated it will follow the court’s directive during the pendency of the case.
Further proceedings in the Eastern District of Virginia will determine the next steps for the proposed program.
