The Brief

Federal Judge Temporarily Halts Trump's $1.776 Billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund'

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration's $1.776 billion fund intended to compensate allies alleging government overreach.

In a significant legal development, U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema issued a temporary injunction on May 29, 2026, halting the Trump administration's establishment of a $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund." This fund was designed to compensate individuals who claim to have been victims of government overreach, particularly those associated with former President Donald Trump. The injunction prevents the fund's creation and any potential payouts for at least two weeks, pending further legal proceedings. The fund's inception traces back to a lawsuit filed by President Trump against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) over the leak of his tax returns. In response to this legal action, the administration proposed the fund as a means to resolve the dispute and address grievances from individuals who believe they were unjustly targeted by government agencies. However, the proposal has been met with substantial criticism from various quarters. Legal advocacy groups, such as Democracy Forward, have argued that the fund lacks a solid legal foundation and sufficient accountability measures. They contend that the fund could potentially facilitate payouts to individuals involved in controversial events, including the January 6 Capitol riots. This concern has been echoed by bipartisan lawmakers who view the fund as a mechanism that could reward those associated with actions undermining democratic institutions. The legal challenges have intensified, with a separate federal judge in Florida ordering President Trump's legal team to respond to allegations that the lawsuit was settled to circumvent court scrutiny. This development underscores the contentious nature of the fund and the broader implications it holds for the relationship between the executive branch and the judiciary. As of now, no funds have been disbursed, as the commission responsible for determining eligibility has yet to be established. The legal proceedings are ongoing, with a hearing scheduled for June 12 to further address the injunction and the future of the fund. The outcome of these proceedings will have significant ramifications for the administration's ability to implement such compensation mechanisms and could set a precedent for how similar initiatives are handled in the future.

ℹ️ Researched and summarized from public reporting. Check the sources below.

Sources

Judge temporarily blocks payouts from Trump's $1.776 billion 'anti-weaponization' settlement fund — apnews.com