US judge halts Trump's $1.8bn 'anti-weaponisation' fund

May 29, 2026

A federal judge has issued a temporary injunction halting operations of a controversial $1. 8 billion government compensation fund established by the Justice Department following a settlement with President Trump over leaked tax returns. The fund, designed to pay individuals allegedly targeted by past administrations for political reasons, has drawn criticism from both parties due to concerns about lack of congressional authorization and insufficient oversight mechanisms.

Who is affected

Individuals claiming to be targets of political investigation by previous administrations
Trump supporters prosecuted over the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot who planned to seek compensation
Two Virginia men who filed the lawsuit alleging discrimination
President Donald Trump and his family/businesses (whose tax filings are protected under settlement terms)
The Justice Department
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

What action is being taken

Judge Leonie Brinkema is barring the Justice Department from taking any steps to stand up or operate the fund, including processing or dispersing claims
Federal courts are considering multiple legal challenges to the fund
Congress is working to pass legislation to further restrict the Justice Department's efforts using congressional "power of the purse"

Why it matters

This matters because it involves a substantial $1.8 billion government fund operating without explicit congressional approval or clear oversight mechanisms, raising fundamental questions about executive authority and separation of powers. The fund's creation as part of a settlement with the sitting president over his tax returns, combined with unclear qualification criteria and potential benefits to January 6 defendants, has generated bipartisan concern about accountability and proper governmental procedures.

What's next

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 12
Congress is considering legislation to further restrict the Justice Department's efforts regarding the fund
Multiple legal challenges to the fund are being considered by federal courts
A group of 35 former federal judges has requested the judge who oversaw Trump's tax lawsuit to review the settlement terms more thoroughly

Read full article from source: BBC