A federal judge in Virginia has indefinitely blocked the Trump administration from distributing money through a $1.8 billion fund created to address what the administration calls cases of government weaponization. The ruling prevents any transfers or payments from the so-called Anti-Weaponization Fund while legal challenges proceed.
US District Judge Leonie Brinkema issued the order to "ensure no funds are irreversibly disbursed from the Anti-Weaponization Fund," according to court documents. The Trump administration announced the fund last week as a way to resolve a $10 billion lawsuit filed by Donald Trump and his sons over the leak of Trump's tax returns.
The government declined to provide assurances that no money would be transferred before June 19, which prompted the judge to act quickly. The injunction applies to all disbursements from the fund regardless of specific claims or recipients involved.
The fund was created without preliminary steps to defend the government in the lawsuit, drawing accusations of improper coordination. The administration stated that anyone who claims to be a victim of government weaponization can submit a claim. The fund will be controlled by four commissioners appointed by the US attorney general and a fifth appointed in consultation with congressional leadership. All commissioners can be fired by Trump without cause.
The fund has no restrictions on who can apply for money and does not require disclosure of how much was paid to whom or the reasons for payments. This lack of transparency has drawn criticism that the fund essentially operates as a slush fund. Critics have raised particular concerns that January 6 Capitol rioters who assaulted police officers could receive compensation, and even Republicans have expressed outrage over this possibility.
Democracy Forward, a government watchdog group, filed the lawsuit seeking to block the fund. The organization argued the arrangement violates proper procedures for government spending. The group's plaintiffs include a former federal prosecutor who led investigations into January 6 protesters, a California professor acquitted of charges, the city of New Haven, Connecticut, and the National Abortion Federation.
"We are pleased that the court granted our request to ensure the administration does not distribute taxpayer funds until our motion has been considered. The court acted quickly to stop this unlawful scheme before money could start flowing out the door," Democracy Forward stated.
The Justice Department responded that the administration remains "extremely confident in the legality of the Anti-Weaponization Fund which is supported by ample precedent, including Obama-era settlements." The department said it will not allow "policy preferences of judges to interfere with our efforts to provide restitution to victims of lawfare."
Money for the fund comes from the judgment fund, a perpetual appropriation the government uses to settle cases. Critics have said this approach allows Trump to bypass Congress's appropriation power. Police officers who defended the Capitol on January 6 have also filed a separate lawsuit challenging the fund.