A federal judge has temporarily halted the Trump administration’s plan to establish a nearly $1.8 billion compensation fund designed for individuals who claim they were harmed by what President Donald Trump has repeatedly described as the “weaponization” of government institutions.
The order, issued by U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema in Virginia, bars the administration from taking further steps to create or operate the proposed fund while the court examines legal objections raised against it. The restriction is expected to remain in place at least until June 12.
The controversy stems from the Justice Department’s recent announcement of an “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” unveiled as part of a settlement resolving Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service over the disclosure of his tax records.
Under the proposal, approximately $1.776 billion would be placed under the supervision of a five-member commission tasked with reviewing claims and distributing payments to individuals who can demonstrate they were victims of “lawfare” or politically motivated government action. Those terms have become central to Trump’s criticism of investigations and prosecutions involving him and his supporters.
The court action followed a lawsuit filed by a group that argues the fund is structured in a way that excludes people whom the administration views as political opponents. The plaintiffs contend that the program effectively creates a government-backed reward system favoring a particular political constituency.
Supporters of the lawsuit welcomed the judge’s intervention, arguing that taxpayer funds cannot be allocated through a mechanism they view as politically driven. The Justice Department, however, defended the initiative and maintained that eligibility requirements are not based on political affiliation.
A department spokesperson said officials remain confident the program will ultimately withstand legal scrutiny and insisted the administration intends to pursue restitution for individuals it believes were unfairly targeted by government actions.
The proposal has generated criticism beyond Trump’s political opponents. Some Republican lawmakers have voiced concern that people involved in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol could potentially qualify for compensation. Critics have characterized the fund as a vehicle that could benefit Trump allies using public money.
The lawsuit before Brinkema is one of several legal challenges now confronting the initiative.
In explaining her decision, the judge indicated that preserving the status quo was necessary while the court evaluates the legality of the program. She noted concerns that funds could be distributed before judicial review is completed, making any later remedy difficult or impossible.
Among those backing the challenge are a former federal prosecutor involved in January 6 cases and a California professor who was arrested during a protest against an immigration enforcement operation.
According to court filings, government attorneys informed the plaintiffs that no money had yet been transferred into the fund. However, they reportedly declined to provide more than 24 hours’ notice before any future transfer, a position the challengers argued offered insufficient protection against the fund becoming operational before the courts could rule.
The Justice Department has not publicly identified the five commissioners who would oversee the program. Those appointments are expected to be made by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. Officials previously indicated that money would be transferred into the fund within 60 days of its announcement.
