Judge Rules Trump's IRS Lawsuit Was Improper, Sanctions Lawyers
A Florida federal judge, Kathleen Williams, ruled that President Donald Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS was filed for an improper purpose—to legitimize a corrupt settlement with the Justice Department. The settlement included a $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund” and sweeping immunity for Trump and his family, later abandoned after backlash. The judge referred Trump’s lawyer to the Florida Bar and sent rulings to bar associations in New York and D.C., where top Justice officials are members.
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Blanche Claims Trump’s IRS Immunity Deal Still in Effect Despite Court Voiding It
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told the Senate Judiciary Committee that the Justice Department still considers President Trump's IRS immunity agreement in effect, despite a federal judge's order that essentially voided it. The deal, part of a broader settlement, bars the IRS and other agencies from taking criminal or civil action against Trump and his eldest sons for pre-settlement acts. Judge Kathleen M. Williams ruled the settlement improper because Trump and the IRS he controls are not opposing parties, and ordered the government not to use it in official proceedings. Blanche said the DOJ is reviewing the order and weighing a response. The immunity deal's status may affect Blanche's Senate confirmation, with Sen. John Cornyn seeking modifications as a condition for his support.
Todd Blanche Misrepresents Scope of Trump's Unprecedented IRS Immunity Deal
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, during his Senate confirmation hearing, defended a controversial settlement between President Donald Trump and the IRS, claiming the sweeping immunity granted was 'typical' of tax dispute resolutions. The settlement, which resolved a lawsuit over leaked tax returns, includes an unprecedented order barring the IRS and other federal agencies from pursuing any past tax violations or other federal offenses by Trump, his family, and affiliated parties. Critics, including former IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel and 35 retired federal judges, argue the deal is corrupt and extends far beyond standard practice, potentially saving Trump over $100 million. Blanche denied the order covers agencies like the SEC, but Sen. John Cornyn and legal experts dispute this interpretation, noting the broad language of the agreement.
Todd Blanche Misrepresents Scope of Trump's Unprecedented IRS Immunity Deal
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, during his Senate confirmation hearing, described President Trump's IRS settlement as 'typical,' despite the deal including sweeping immunity from tax violations and other federal offenses for Trump, his family, and affiliated parties. The settlement, which arose from a lawsuit over leaked tax returns, not a tax dispute, permanently bars the U.S. from pursuing any claims against them for past conduct. Former IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel stated he knew of no similar cases. The order extends beyond the IRS to other agencies, leading Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) to question its scope. Blanche denied it covers other agencies, but Cornyn disagreed, noting the agreement's broad language. The deal has been criticized by 35 retired federal judges as collusive.
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Judge Issues Scathing Criticism of Todd Blanche in Trump IRS Case Ahead of Confirmation Hearing
A federal judge, Kathleen M. Williams, issued a scathing ruling against Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche in President Donald Trump's IRS settlement case, calling his testimony 'disingenuous' and 'extremely troubling.' The judge recommended disciplinary action and ordered the ruling sent to the New York State Bar, where Blanche already faces an ethics complaint backed by over 100 former judges. The criticism comes as Blanche faces a Senate confirmation hearing for Attorney General on Wednesday. The ruling voided Trump's $1.8 billion IRS settlement, which was intended to compensate individuals allegedly targeted by the Biden administration, including Jan. 6 rioters. Blanche had claimed there was 'no mechanism' to submit the settlement to the court, a statement the judge deemed misleading. The hearing is expected to also address Blanche's role in the anti-weaponization fund and Epstein files.
Judge Rules Trump's $10 Billion IRS Tax Return Leak Lawsuit Was Filed for Improper Purpose, Refers Lawyer for Discipline
U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams ruled that President Donald Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS over leaked tax returns was filed for an 'improper purpose,' accusing Trump and his lawyers of manipulating the court system. The lawsuit, which ended in a settlement granting Trump immunity from tax audits and establishing a $1.776 billion fund for allies, was characterized as an exercise in self-dealing. The judge referred Trump attorney Alejandro Brito for potential disciplinary action and restricted another lawyer, Daniel Epstein, from filing in the Southern District of Florida for up to a year. While the settlement's fund has been abandoned, the ruling serves as a rebuke ahead of Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's confirmation hearing. The judge emphasized that the parties used the court to legitimize an agreement conferring immunity and earmarking taxpayer funds for undefined grievances.
Judge Rules Trump Tried to Manipulate Judicial Process in IRS Lawsuit
A federal judge, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams, ruled that President Donald Trump attempted to manipulate the judicial process when he sued the IRS for $10 billion over leaked tax returns. Trump had struck a deal with the Justice Department granting him immunity from tax audits and creating a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund for allies. The ruling bars Trump, his family, and his lawyers from citing that deal in future legal proceedings, potentially voiding his tax immunity. Judge Williams also suggested sanctions for Trump's legal team, including Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. A group of 35 former judges praised the ruling as a victory for the rule of law. However, the practical impact may be limited, and a Justice Department spokesperson accused Williams of being a partisan judge. The decision also creates political pressure for Blanche ahead of his Senate confirmation hearing.
Judge Rules Trump Tried to Manipulate Judicial Process in IRS Lawsuit
A federal judge, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams, ruled that President Donald Trump attempted to manipulate the judicial process when he sued the IRS for $10 billion in January over leaked tax returns. Trump had struck a deal with the Justice Department granting him immunity from tax audits and creating a now-defunct $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund for his allies. Williams' ruling bars Trump, his family, and his lawyers from citing that deal in future legal proceedings, potentially voiding Trump's tax immunity. She also suggested that Trump's legal team, including Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, should be sanctioned. A group of 35 former judges called the ruling a resounding victory for the rule of law. However, the practical impact may be limited, and the Justice Department accused Williams of being a partisan judge. The decision also sets up politically uncomfortable questioning for Blanche at his Senate confirmation hearing.
Judge Rules Trump Tried to Manipulate Judicial Process in IRS Lawsuit
A federal judge, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams, ruled that President Donald Trump attempted to manipulate the judicial process when he sued the IRS for $10 billion in January over leaked tax returns. Trump had struck a deal with the Justice Department granting him immunity from tax audits and creating a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund for allies. Williams' ruling bars Trump, his family, and his lawyers from citing that deal in future legal proceedings, potentially voiding his tax immunity. She also suggested sanctions for Trump's legal team, including Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. A group of 35 former judges praised the ruling as a victory for the rule of law. However, the Justice Department accused Williams of being a partisan judge, insisting Trump and his family were victims of law violations. The Washington Post noted it is unclear if the ruling can practically limit Trump's tax protections. The decision also creates political pressure for Blanche ahead of his Senate confirmation hearing.
Judge Williams Issues Damning Opinion in Trump Slush Fund Case
A federal judge has issued a scathing opinion in the Trump v. IRS case, which was ostensibly settled but re-opened to investigate allegations of collusion. Judge Williams found that the lawsuit was non-adversarial and collusive, with the lead plaintiff (President Trump) directing and controlling the defendants, making the case jurisdictionally improper. The case involved a plan to transfer $1.776 billion from US taxpayers to Trump's supporters. The judge highlighted a pattern of misusing courts for political purposes. The article notes that while this would normally be grounds for impeachment, it barely registers in the current political climate as the US celebrates its 250th birthday.
Federal Judge Slams Trump's IRS Lawsuit as Pretext for Phony Settlement
A federal judge in Florida, Kathleen Williams, issued a scathing ruling on July 13, 2026, finding that President Donald Trump's January lawsuit against the IRS was a pretext to obtain a 'settlement' that granted him, his family, and supporters massive favors at taxpayer expense. The judge ordered sanctions against Trump's lawyers, stating the plaintiffs and defendants 'worked in tandem and were never actually adverse.' The settlement, announced by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche on May 18, included a $1.8 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' for Trump's allies and sweeping immunity from tax violations and other federal offenses for Trump and his relatives. The fund was abandoned after bipartisan backlash, but the immunity deal remained. The judge highlighted the blatant conflicts of interest, as both sides were represented by lawyers working for Trump, and an executive order barred government lawyers from taking positions at odds with the president.
Federal Judge Rules Trump's IRS Lawsuit Was a Pretext for Corrupt Settlement
A federal judge in Florida, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams, issued a scathing ruling on July 13, 2026, finding that President Donald Trump's January 2026 lawsuit against the IRS was a pretext to obtain a phony 'settlement' that granted him, his family, and supporters huge favors at taxpayer expense. The judge ordered sanctions against Trump's lawyers, stating the case was brought for an improper purpose. The settlement, announced by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche in May, included a $1.8 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' for Trump's allies and sweeping immunity from tax violations and other federal offenses for Trump and his relatives. The fund was abandoned after bipartisan backlash, but the immunity deal remains. The judge highlighted that the lawsuit was filed over two years after a tax return leak, exceeding the statute of limitations, and that the Justice Department, which answers to Trump, never contested the claims, revealing blatant conflicts of interest.
Federal Judge Rules Trump's IRS Lawsuit Was Pretext for Corrupt Settlement
A federal judge in Florida, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams, issued a scathing ruling on July 13, 2026, finding that President Donald Trump's January 29 lawsuit against the IRS was a pretext to legitimize a corrupt settlement. The settlement, announced by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche on May 18, included a $1.8 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' benefiting Trump's allies and sweeping immunity from tax violations and other federal offenses for Trump and his family. The fund was abandoned after bipartisan backlash, but the immunity deal remained. Williams ordered sanctions against Trump's lawyers, noting the plaintiffs and defendants 'worked in tandem and were never actually adverse.' The lawsuit, filed over two years after a tax return leak, faced legal weaknesses including statute of limitations issues, but the Justice Department, constrained by a Trump executive order, failed to contest the claims.
Judge Blasts Trump’s ‘Improper’ $10 Billion Lawsuit Against IRS
A federal judge ruled that President Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS was an improper attempt to manipulate the legal process, lacking the necessary adverseness between parties. The lawsuit, never formally litigated, led to an unusual agreement creating a $1.776 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund, later abandoned due to congressional pushback. A separate order by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche bars IRS investigations into Trump, his family, and businesses, potentially worth over $100 million. Judge Kathleen Williams criticized the suit as a bid to legitimize immunity for Trump affiliates and earmark taxpayer funds for undefined grievances. She referred one Trump lawyer to the Florida Bar for discipline and limited another's practice, while sending the ruling to bars in New York and D.C. where Blanche and another official are members. The ruling may impact Blanche's upcoming Senate confirmation hearing for attorney general.
Judge Rules Trump Sued IRS for Improper Purpose, Refers His Lawyer to Bar
A Florida federal judge, Kathleen Williams, issued a scathing order ruling that President Donald Trump filed a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS for an improper purpose: to gain judicial legitimacy for a controversial settlement with the Justice Department, which Trump effectively controls. The settlement, reached out of court, included the creation of a $1.8 billion 'lawfare' fund to compensate victims of prosecutorial overreach, which was later abandoned after congressional backlash. It also granted Trump, his family, and his businesses effective immunity from IRS audits and enforcement. Judge Williams referred Trump's lawyer, Alejandro Brito, to the Florida Bar for potential discipline and sent copies of the order to bar associations in New York and Washington, D.C., where acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward are members. The judge noted the settlement lacked adverseness and may violate federal law and the Constitution.
Judge Rules Trump's $10 Billion IRS Lawsuit Was Attempt to Manipulate Judicial Process
A federal judge in Florida issued a scathing ruling on Monday, finding that President Donald Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS was not a genuine legal action but a manufactured attempt to legitimize a settlement agreement. U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams wrote that the lawsuit was brought to manipulate the judicial process and confer immunity on Trump's allies while earmarking billions in taxpayer funds. The judge noted that the Justice Department's failure to defend the lawsuit and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's unilateral cancellation of the 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' were glaring signals of the suit's lack of legitimacy. Williams sanctioned two of Trump's personal attorneys, referring one to the Florida bar and banning another from practicing in the Southern District of Florida for a year. The ruling comes at a delicate moment for Blanche, who faces a Senate confirmation hearing. The judge also suggested that Blanche and Associate Attorney General Stan Woodward may face disciplinary action by state bar associations.
Federal Judge Nullifies Trump's $1.8 Billion Slush Fund Settlement
U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams invalidated the settlement underlying Donald Trump's nearly $1.8 billion slush fund, which was created after Trump dropped a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS over the leak of his tax returns. The fund was pitched as reparations for right-wing individuals targeted by the previous administration, paid by U.S. taxpayers through the Department of Justice. Judge Williams ruled that the parties were never adversarial, calling the arrangement an attempt to use the court to legitimize immunity for Trump and his affiliates and to earmark billions for undefined grievances. She prohibited any entities affiliated with the settlement from using its details officially and referred Trump's attorney, Alejandro Brito, to the Florida bar for possible discipline. The settlement also included a provision immunizing Trump from further federal prosecution, which the judge found improper.
Judge Rules Trump Sued IRS for Improper Purpose, Refers Lawyer to Bar
A Florida federal judge, Kathleen William, issued a blistering order on Monday stating that President Donald Trump sued the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for an improper purpose. The judge found that the lawsuit was filed to gain the appearance of judicial legitimacy for a controversial settlement with the Justice Department, which effectively controls the case. Judge William referred Trump's lawyer, Alejandro Brito, to the Florida bar for potential disciplinary action. Additionally, copies of the ruling were ordered sent to the State Bar of New York (where Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is a member) and the District of Columbia Bar (where Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward is a member). The article is labeled as breaking news.