Judge Blocks Trump’s $1.8 Billion ‘Anti-Weaponisation’ Compensation Fund

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the implementation of a controversial $1.8 billion compensation fund established by the United States Department of Justice to provide restitution for individuals who claim they were unfairly targeted by previous administrations.

Judge Leonie Brinkema issued an order preventing the Justice Department from taking any steps to operationalise the programme, including processing or paying claims, pending a preliminary hearing scheduled for June 12.

The fund, described by the Justice Department as an “anti-weaponisation fund,” was announced last week as part of a broader settlement agreement involving President Donald Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service over the release of his tax records.

Although the memorandum establishing the fund does not clearly define eligibility criteria, many supporters of Trump who faced prosecution following the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot have publicly expressed interest in seeking compensation.

The proposal immediately generated political controversy.

Several lawmakers from both major parties questioned whether the executive branch possessed the authority to establish such a fund without explicit congressional appropriation or oversight.

Republican Senate leader John Thune openly voiced reservations, saying he was uncertain about how the compensation process would operate.

The latest legal challenge was brought by two Virginia residents who argued that the programme was discriminatory. They claimed they were victims of political retaliation under the Trump administration but believed they would be excluded from compensation under the proposed scheme.

Despite the court order, the Justice Department remains defiant.

Officials insist the programme is legally sound and supported by historical precedent.

A department spokesperson said the administration was “extremely confident” about the legality of the initiative and vowed to continue defending it in court.

The case is one of several legal battles surrounding the proposed fund. Meanwhile, a group of 35 former federal judges recently urged a court to more closely scrutinise the broader settlement agreement linked to Trump’s tax records.

Legal analysts believe the controversy may ultimately be decided not only in the courts but also in Congress, where lawmakers are reportedly exploring legislative options to restrict the use of federal funds for the programme.