Jan 6 Police Sue Trump Over $1.8 Billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' for Rioters
Two police officers who defended the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration to block the $1.8 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund.' They allege it is an illegal slush fund that could compensate January 6 rioters and paramilitary groups, violating the Fourteenth Amendment and federal law. The lawsuit names President Trump, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Bipartisan lawmakers have also introduced legislation to block the fund, citing constitutional concerns.
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US Judge Demands Written Guarantees on Abandonment of Trump's 'Anti-Weaponization' Fund
A US federal judge in Alexandria, Virginia, has refused to close a case regarding the Trump administration's proposed 'anti-weaponization' compensation fund, demanding written proof that the fund has been definitively abandoned. The judge deemed oral statements by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche insufficient, particularly given President Trump's persistent support for the fund. The government had filed a Department of Justice document stating such statements were unnecessary, citing separation of powers concerns. The fund, which would have allocated nearly $1.8 billion, was intended to compensate Donald Trump's supporters who were prosecuted under the Biden administration. Democrats have criticized it as a 'slush fund' for supporters, including those convicted for the January 6, 2021 Capitol assault. The judge has given the government until July 17 to present written arguments, extending her previous freeze on the fund indefinitely.
Politique : Toute l’actualité sur Le Monde.fr.Judge Keeps Lawsuit Alive Against Trump's $1.8 Billion 'Anti-Weaponization' Fund
A federal judge, Leonie M. Brinkema, ruled that a lawsuit against the Trump administration's planned $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund will proceed. The judge had previously indicated she might dismiss the case if the Department of Justice confirmed in writing, under penalty of perjury, that the fund was permanently dead. However, the DOJ refused to provide such written confirmation, arguing it was unnecessary and citing Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's statements to Congress that the fund is 'not going forward, period.' Judge Brinkema disagreed, questioning the administration's 'trustworthiness' given President Trump's consistent support for the fund and Blanche's own acknowledgment that the fund remains 'important.' The judge's order keeps the block on the fund in place while litigation continues. The broader IRS settlement, which grants Trump and his sons legal immunity, is under separate court scrutiny.
Forbes - BusinessJudge allows lawsuit against Trump DOJ's $1.8 billion 'Anti-Weaponization' fund to proceed
A federal judge ruled that a lawsuit challenging the US Department of Justice's creation of a $1.8 billion 'Anti-Weaponization' fund will move forward. Judge Leonie Brinkema stated the case could have been dismissed as moot if the DOJ had provided a written declaration under penalty of perjury confirming the fund is no longer active. The DOJ's refusal to provide such assurance prompted the judge to allow the litigation to continue. The fund, established under the Trump administration, has been the subject of legal controversy. The article notes this is developing news.
US Top News and AnalysisHow Todd Blanche’s Servile Arrogance Reopened the Slush Fund Fiasco
The article analyzes two recent legal filings that threaten to reignite the political controversy over the Trump administration's proposed $1.776 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund, which could be used to reward January 6 offenders. In the Eastern District of Virginia, Judge Leonie Brinkema offered the Justice Department a way to dismiss the case if Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and others filed sworn declarations stating the fund would not proceed. Instead, DOJ argued Blanche's unsworn verbal assurances to Congress were sufficient, calling the judge's request a separation of powers concern. The author criticizes this as legally weak, noting Trump remains a beneficiary of the settlement agreement and continues to publicly support the fund. Meanwhile, in the Southern District of Florida, 35 retired federal judges filed a brief in a related case brought by Trump against the IRS.
The New RepublicDOJ Refuses Judge's Request for Written Assurance on 'Anti-Weaponization' Fund
The U.S. Department of Justice has rebuffed a federal judge's request to provide sworn, written declarations that it will not proceed with a controversial $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund. The fund, announced in May 2026, was part of a settlement of President Donald Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS over the leak of his tax records. Critics worry the fund could compensate individuals charged in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot. Judge Leonie Brinkema had extended a temporary block on the fund and asked Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to file sworn statements that the fund would not move forward before she would dismiss a related lawsuit. The DOJ argued the request was 'unnecessary' and raised 'serious separation of powers concerns,' pointing to Blanche's previous testimony to Congress that the fund is 'not going forward, period.' The DOJ also asserted the judge was overstepping by attempting to insert herself into routine settlement authority.
US Top News and AnalysisDOJ Refuses Judge's Request for Written Assurance on Anti-Weaponization Fund
The U.S. Department of Justice has rebuffed a federal judge's request to provide sworn, written declarations that it will not proceed with the creation of a $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund. The fund was announced in May 2026 as part of a settlement of President Donald Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS over the leak of his tax records. Judge Leonie Brinkema, who had temporarily blocked the fund, requested written assurances from Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent before agreeing to permanently dismiss a related lawsuit. The DOJ argued in a Friday filing that such declarations are 'unnecessary' and raise 'serious separation of powers concerns,' pointing to Blanche's prior oral testimony before Congress and signed briefs stating the fund is not moving forward. Critics have expressed concern the fund could be used to compensate individuals charged with crimes related to the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot.
US Top News and AnalysisDOJ Refuses Judge's Demand on Anti-Weaponization Fund, Citing Separation of Powers
The U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) has refused to comply with a federal judge's demand to formally swear that a nearly $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund is terminated. Judge Leonie Brinkema of the Eastern District of Virginia had issued a seven-day deadline for acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and another official to provide sworn statements that the fund is dead, after she indefinitely blocked it. The DOJ argued that the judge's request raises 'serious separation of powers concerns,' effectively snubbing the court order. The fund in question was established to counter weaponization of the federal government, and its status remains legally contested. The move escalates tensions between the executive branch and the judiciary over the control of discretionary funds.
Just In NewsDOJ Refuses to Officially Declare Trump's $1.8 Billion Slush Fund Dead
The Trump administration is refusing to comply with a federal judge's order to file a sworn declaration that the president's $1.776 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' is dead. U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema issued a preliminary injunction requiring Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward Jr., and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to state under penalty of perjury that the fund will not proceed. The DOJ missed the June 19 deadline, citing 'serious separation of powers concerns,' and argued that Blanche's congressional testimony that the fund is 'not going forward, period' is sufficient. The article reports that President Trump publicly undercut that testimony, saying the fund is not ended and that people should be reimbursed. The Atlantic reported that White House officials are still telling Trump allies they will get payments, suggesting the administration may be secretly trying to keep the fund alive despite court orders.
The New RepublicDOJ Refuses to Declare Trump's $1.8 Billion Anti-Weaponization Fund Dead Under Court Order
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has refused to comply with a federal court order requiring Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward Jr., and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to file sworn declarations that President Trump's $1.776 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' is dead. U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema issued a preliminary injunction and set a June 19 deadline for the declarations. The DOJ responded by refusing, citing 'serious separation of powers concerns,' and argued that Blanche's earlier congressional testimony that the fund is 'not going forward, period' suffices. President Trump himself contradicted this, stating the fund should continue because 'a court ruled against it,' not because he ended it. Reports from The Atlantic indicate White House officials have secretly told Trump allies they will still receive payments. The DOJ previously refused a similar sworn declaration to another federal judge, and anonymous sources say work on the fund continues in secret.
The New RepublicDOJ Refuses to Certify in Writing That Trump's $1.8 Billion Anti-Weaponization Fund Is Dead
The Trump administration, through the Department of Justice, has refused a federal judge's order to file sworn declarations that the president's $1.776 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' will not proceed. U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema issued a preliminary injunction requiring Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward Jr., and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to file a declaration under penalty of perjury by June 19. The DOJ responded by declining, citing separation of powers concerns, and argued that prior congressional testimony from Blanche that the fund is 'not going forward, period' suffices. However, President Trump later said he was not ending the fund, only that a court ruled against it, and The Atlantic reported that White House officials are secretly telling allies they will still receive payments. The DOJ previously refused a similar order from another federal judge, Richard Leon, suggesting the administration may be attempting to circumvent the court rulings and continue the fund covertly.
The New RepublicDOJ Rebuffs Judge's Request for Written Assurance on 'Anti-Weaponization' Fund
The Department of Justice has refused a federal judge's demand to provide a sworn written statement that it will not proceed with the controversial $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund. Judge Leonie Brinkema extended her block on the fund, which is designed to compensate alleged victims of prosecutorial overreach during the Biden administration, after questioning verbal assurances from DOJ leadership. The DOJ argued in a filing that providing a sworn declaration would be 'unnecessary' and raised 'serious separation of powers concerns,' pointing to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's previous Congressional testimony that the fund is 'not going forward, period.' Critics fear the fund could be used to pay Trump allies, including those charged in connection with the January 6 Capitol riot. The fund originated from the settlement of Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS over leaked tax records.
US Top News and AnalysisSenate Clashes Over Fate of 'Anti-Weaponization' Fund
Senate Democrats attempted to pass legislation via unanimous consent to abolish the White House's $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund, created as part of a settlement in a lawsuit brought by President Donald Trump over the leak of his tax returns. The move was blocked by Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), who argued that the administration has said it will not use the fund. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) insisted Trump intends to proceed with the fund. The fund has drawn bipartisan skepticism, with a federal judge blocking its implementation and demanding binding statements from the Justice Department and Treasury that the fund will never go forward. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) indicated the uncertainty could affect his support for Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's nomination, while Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) signed onto a legal brief calling the fund a threat to the constitutional order.
Roll CallSenate Clashes Over Fate of 'Anti-Weaponization' Fund
Senate Democrats, led by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, attempted to pass legislation via unanimous consent to abolish the $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund created as part of a settlement in a lawsuit President Trump brought over the leak of his tax returns. The fund, which would also nullify an IRS ban on auditing Trump's tax returns, was blocked by Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN). Despite Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's statements that the fund is not moving forward, Schumer argued Trump's own comments indicate he intends to proceed. A federal judge, Leonie Brinkema, has temporarily blocked the fund and given the Justice Department until Friday to submit a binding statement that the fund will never go forward. The fund has caused bipartisan concern, with Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) saying it could affect his support for Blanche's nomination, and Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) signing onto a legal challenge against it.
Roll CallJudge Extends Block on DOJ 'Anti-Weaponization Fund', Demands Written Guarantee It Is Dead
A federal judge in Alexandria, Virginia, extended a preliminary injunction against the Department of Justice's $1.8 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund,' which was created as part of a settlement of President Trump's lawsuit against the IRS over leaked tax records. Judge Leonie Brinkema ruled that Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's verbal testimony to Congress that the fund would not proceed was insufficient. She gave Blanche and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent one week to submit sworn written declarations confirming the fund is terminated. The fund, criticized as a 'slush fund' for Trump allies and potentially for Jan. 6 defendants, faced bipartisan backlash. The judge noted Trump's subsequent statements expressing desire to move forward with the fund, raising doubts about the DOJ's claims. The ruling follows a separate D.C. judge's warning to the DOJ not to 'play possum' with the court.
US Top News and AnalysisJudge Indefinitely Blocks Trump's 'Anti-Weaponization' Fund
A federal judge in Virginia, U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema, has indefinitely blocked the Justice Department's 'anti-weaponization' fund, which was established under the Trump administration. The ruling, issued during a Friday hearing, prevents any payments from the $1.776 billion fund for the duration of the case. The decision follows a previous temporary block. Democracy Forward, a progressive legal advocacy group, is involved in the case challenging the fund's legality. The fund was intended to address alleged weaponization of government agencies, but critics argue it could be used to target political opponents. The indefinite block halts disbursement of the substantial sum pending further litigation.
Just In NewsJudge Blocks Trump's 'Anti-Weaponization Fund', Demands Signed Proof of Termination
U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema issued a preliminary injunction against Donald Trump's 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' on Friday, effectively blocking the president's slush fund. The judge offered to drop the case if acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent sign a document under penalty of perjury stating they will not proceed with the fund. Blanche had previously insisted the fund was dead but refused to provide formal documentation. Reports indicate that Justice Department and White House staffers have been secretly telling Trump's MAGA allies they may still receive payments, and Trump himself has continued to praise the fund in media appearances. The fund had attracted applications from some of Trump's most notorious allies and a top DOJ official. The judge gave Blanche and Bessent one week to provide sworn testimony.
The New RepublicFederal Judge Blocks Trump's Anti-Weaponization Fund, Demands Sworn Affidavit
U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema in the Eastern District of Virginia issued a preliminary injunction against Donald Trump's 'Anti-Weaponization Fund,' a project critics call a slush fund. The judge offered to drop the case if acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent sign a sworn document under penalty of perjury stating they will not proceed with the fund. Blanche had previously insisted the fund was dead but refused to provide written proof. Reports indicate Justice Department and White House staffers have been telling Trump's MAGA allies they may still receive payments, and Trump has continued to praise the fund publicly. The judge gave Blanche and Bessent one week to provide their sworn testimony. The fund had attracted applications from Trump's most notorious allies and a top DOJ official.
The New RepublicFederal Judge Blocks Trump's 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' with Preliminary Injunction
U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema in the Eastern District of Virginia issued a preliminary injunction against Donald Trump's 'Anti-Weaponization Fund,' effectively shutting down the president's slush fund. The judge offered to drop the case if acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent sign a sworn document under penalty of perjury stating they will not proceed with the fund. Blanche had previously insisted publicly the fund was dead but refused to provide written proof. Reports indicate Justice Department and White House staffers have been telling MAGA allies they can still expect payments, and Trump continues to praise the fund publicly. The fund had attracted applications from Trump's most notorious allies and a top DOJ official. The judge gave Blanche and Bessent one week to provide their sworn testimony.
The New RepublicJudge Blocks Trump's $1.8 Billion Anti-Weaponization Fund, Demands Sworn Proof It's Dead
A federal judge, Leonie Brinkema, has indefinitely blocked the Trump administration's $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund, extending a previous temporary order. The fund was created as part of President Trump's settlement in his lawsuit against the IRS, intended to compensate people who believe the Justice Department was 'weaponized' against them. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche claimed the fund would not proceed, even if allowed by court, after strong opposition from Republican lawmakers. However, plaintiffs suing the government distrust these verbal assurances, noting Blanche has not put the claim in writing or rescinded the original guidance. Brinkema has directed Blanche and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to submit a sworn declaration under penalty of perjury stating the fund is dead. If they comply, she will likely lift the injunction. If not, she will continue litigation to determine the fund's lawfulness. The case is one of several challenging the fund, and a different judge could still block it even if Brinkema lifts her ruling.
Forbes - BusinessCourt extends block on Trump administration's $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund
A federal judge in Virginia, Leonie Brinkema, extended a block on the Trump administration's $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund, ruling that the administration's claims of abandoning the program were insufficient to render the lawsuit moot. The fund, announced as part of a settlement in Trump's lawsuit over the leak of his tax returns, would compensate people harmed by 'weaponization' of prior Democratic administrations. Judge Brinkema noted President Trump's public statements supporting the fund as evidence it might still proceed. She gave the administration one week to submit a binding statement from Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent formally renouncing the fund, after which she may dismiss the case. The lawsuit was brought by individuals, Common Cause, the National Abortion Federation, and New Haven, Connecticut. Bipartisan concerns had previously delayed a reconciliation vote over the fund.
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