A federal judge on Friday temporarily blocked the Trump administration from moving forward with its controversial $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund, delivering the first major legal setback to a program that has faced bipartisan criticism and multiple lawsuits since its creation earlier this month.
U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema issued an order halting any further steps to establish, operate, or distribute money from the fund while the court considers challenges to its legality. The temporary restraining order will remain in place pending additional proceedings.
The fund, valued at approximately $1.776 billion, was announced by the Justice Department as part of a settlement ending President Donald Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS over the unauthorized disclosure of his tax records. Under the settlement, the government agreed to create a compensation program for people who claim they were victims of political “weaponization” by federal authorities.
Fund sparked immediate backlash
The proposal generated controversy almost immediately after it was unveiled.
Critics from across the political spectrum argued that the program could function as a taxpayer-funded compensation system for Trump allies, including individuals prosecuted in connection with the Jan. 6 Capitol riot and later pardoned by Trump. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche declined to rule out such claimants when questions first arose about who might qualify for payments.
Even some Republican lawmakers expressed discomfort with the plan, while watchdog groups, former federal judges, and advocacy organizations described the fund as an unprecedented use of executive authority.
The Justice Department has maintained that the program is lawful and modeled in part on previous federal compensation funds established through settlements. According to DOJ guidance, the fund would be administered by a five-member panel appointed by the attorney general and would have authority to award monetary relief, debt relief, or formal apologies to approved claimants.
Multiple lawsuits challenge legality
Friday’s ruling comes amid a growing wave of litigation aimed at stopping the program before any payments are made.
A coalition represented by the liberal legal organization Democracy Forward sued to block the fund, arguing that the executive branch lacks authority to create and administer what plaintiffs describe as a politically selective compensation system funded with taxpayer dollars. Plaintiffs include former federal officials, advocacy groups, and individuals who say they were harmed by actions of the Trump administration but would be excluded from receiving compensation.
Separately, 35 former federal judges filed a motion seeking to reopen Trump’s IRS lawsuit, alleging that the settlement used to create the fund may have improperly bypassed judicial scrutiny.
Former Capitol Police officers and Jan. 6 defenders have also challenged the program, arguing it could reward individuals involved in the attack on the Capitol.
What happens next
The judge’s order does not permanently strike down the fund. Instead, it freezes implementation while the court examines whether the administration had legal authority to create it and whether challengers have standing to sue. A hearing on whether to extend the injunction is expected in the coming weeks.
For now, the ruling prevents the administration from appointing administrators, processing claims, or distributing any money from the program.
The decision marks a significant setback for one of the most controversial initiatives of Trump’s second term and sets up what could become a major constitutional fight over executive power, federal settlement authority, and the use of public funds.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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