US Judge Halts Payouts From Trump’s $1.8 Billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund.' What It Is

Last Updated:May 29, 2026, 22:48 IST

Judge Leonie Brinkema halts Trump administration’s 1.776-billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund," blocking payouts amid legal challenge over its legality.

A US federal judge on Friday temporarily blocked the Donald Trump administration from distributing money through a $1.776-billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund."

The settlement fund has been planned to compensate people who claim they were unfairly targeted by “lawfare" and “weaponization," terms US President Trump and his allies have used to describe investigations and criminal cases against them.

Fund Meant For ‘Lawfare’ Victims

US District Judge Leonie Brinkema in Alexandria, Virginia, ordered the administration not to process claims, transfer money or operate the fund until legal challenges against it are resolved. She also scheduled a hearing on June 12 to decide whether the freeze should remain in place for a longer period.

The fund was created as part of a settlement linked to Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service over the leak of his tax records. According to the administration, the initiative was meant to support Trump allies and others who believe they were victims of politically motivated investigations or government action.

Jan 6 Payout Fears Spark Backlash

However, the proposal has sparked intense criticism from legal groups, political opponents and even some Republicans. Critics have questioned both the legality of the fund and who could eventually qualify for compensation. Concerns intensified after acting Attorney General Todd Blanche declined to rule out whether individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot could become eligible for payouts.

The lawsuit challenging the fund was filed by the advocacy organisation Democracy Forward. Plaintiffs argued there is no legal authority for the programme and accused the administration of using public resources for political purposes.

“President Trump and his allies have long accused Democrats of using the government and the legal system as political weapons," plaintiffs’ lawyers wrote. “In doing so, the (Trump) administration fails to acknowledge the unprecedented campaign of targeting individuals and entities for retribution on personal and ideological grounds that it has carried out."

Judge Brinkema said the temporary order was necessary to ensure that no money is “irreversibly disbursed" before the court reviews the matter further.

News world US Judge Halts Payouts From Trump’s $1.8 Billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund.' What It Is

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