$1.8 B Anti-Weaponization Fund Stalls Amid Jan. 6 Payout Push

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told a congressional hearing that the $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund, created to compensate Jan. 6 defendants, is “not moving forward.” Legal scholars, however, note that claimants may still pursue compensation through separate settlement claims drawn from the DOJ’s Judgment Fund, which lacks a statutory cap.

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President Donald Trump issued pardons and commutations for all Jan. 6 rioters on his first day back in office, describing them as “great people” wronged by a “crooked government.” He later urged that the government reimburse them, citing alleged mistreatment and suicides among the defendants.

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Defendants seek payouts from a few million up to “mid-tens of millions,” with Johnson naming $10 million and Tarrio citing “mid-tens.” The Proud Boys sued for $100 million. Payments would draw from the uncapped Judgment Fund, which can settle claims before filing.

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The case tests executive clemency limits, raises concerns about taxpayer funds rewarding convicted offenders, and exposes oversight gaps in the Judgment Fund’s discretionary payouts.

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Acting AG Todd Blanche said the fund is halted. The DOJ Justice Manual sets settlement guidelines, yet the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C., and State Attorney Bill Gladson declined comment. Sen. Chris Van Hollen urged Blanche to block Johnson’s payout; Blanche gave no assurance.

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Legal analysts say malicious-prosecution claims face a high evidentiary bar, demanding proof of wholly baseless prosecutions. Critics contend paying a convicted child molester erodes public trust; Lawfare notes Trump’s clemency may have enabled further crimes.

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Blanche says the fund is suspended, but scholars argue settlements remain possible. Payout claims range from $10 million to mid-tens and $100 million, with no official figures. Agencies have declined comment, leaving claim scope unclear.

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• “Just so you understand, these are people that have been decimated, that lost their lives over nonsense, where the FBI said, ‘go in, go in,’” — President Donald Trump

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• “Its truly a blessing to hear Mr. Trump has not forgot his people,” — Andrew Paul Johnson, inmate

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• “there’s very little to suggest they would stop making the same or similar payout to someone who brought a [separate] settlement claim in court.” — Molly Nixon, Cato Institute

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• “You have to show there was no basis for prosecution, no factual or legal basis whatsoever and they may have to prove [the prosecution] was willful,” — Anonymous attorney

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DOJ attorneys are scheduled to appear before a judge next week to address the fund’s future. Plaintiffs plan to file draft settlement requests, and congressional committees have signaled intent to hold oversight hearings on the Judgment Fund’s discretionary authority.

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