Full Breakdown
Federal Judge Extends Block on Trump Administration’s $1.8 Billion “Anti-Weaponization” Fund
6/13/2026, 12:32:30 AM
Core Legal Battle
A U.S. District Judge in Alexandria, Virginia, Leonie Brinkema issued a preliminary injunction that indefinitely bars the Justice Department from establishing the $1.776 billion “anti-weaponization” fund. She ordered Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to provide, within a week, a sworn declaration that the fund will not be revived.
Settlement Background
The fund stems from a settlement of President Donald Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS over leaked tax records. The agreement required a $1.776 billion pool and a five-member commission by June 17 to compensate alleged victims of “weaponized” government actions, but no commission has been formed.
Main Actors & Recent Court Timeline
Key figures include Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who told Congress the fund is “not moving forward” but gave no written rescission; DOJ lawyer Andrew Block, who argued the case is moot; Judge Leonie Brinkema, who issued the injunction; and Judge Richard Leon, who warned “Don’t play possum with this court!” after denying a temporary restraining order. President Trump publicly praised the fund.
Stakes and Controversy
Critics argue the $1.8 billion pool could reward Jan. 6 Capitol rioters and other politically connected claimants, labeling it a slush fund. Supporters say the settlement fulfills a contractual duty and addresses perceived “lawfare.” The dispute raises questions about executive authority to allocate taxpayer money for political settlements.
Official Positions
Blanche maintains verbally that the DOJ will not proceed with the fund but has not rescinded the May 18 order in writing. Brinkema stresses the lack of “uncontested evidence” that the program will not be revived, citing Trump’s recent comments. CREW asserts the settlement remains in force and demands the required commission.
Conflicting Accounts
The administration’s verbal claim of abandonment conflicts with Trump’s public support and the absence of a written rescission. The settlement’s mandate for a five-member board remains unmet, leaving eligibility criteria unclear. Judges continue to demand a sworn declaration to resolve the dispute.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Don't play possum with this court!” — Judge Richard Leon
- “If it was up to me, I'd pay them the kind of money that they deserve. People have been destroyed. Lives have been destroyed,” — President Donald Trump, NBC interview
- “I don’t have in this record the type of uncontested evidence that this will not be repeated,” — Judge Leonie Brinkema
- “This ruling is a significant victory for the Constitution, the rule of law, and people in America,” — Skye Perryman, Democracy Forward
Outlook
If Blanche and Bessent submit the required sworn declaration, Brinkema may lift the injunction; otherwise the block remains and plaintiffs may seek a permanent ban while parallel D.C. litigation proceeds.
