A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from moving forward with a nearly $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund while a legal challenge continues.
U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema issued the order Friday, preventing the administration from establishing the fund, transferring money, reviewing applications or sending payments for now.
The fund was created as part of a settlement connected to President Donald Trump’s lawsuit over the leak of his tax records.
Supporters of the fund say it is meant to compensate Americans who were unfairly targeted by the federal government.
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Critics argue the program could become a politically motivated payout system benefiting Trump allies and others who claim government weaponization.
The lawsuit challenging the fund argues that the program violates federal law and the Constitution.
Brinkema’s order came shortly after plaintiffs requested emergency action to pause the program while the court considers the case.
A hearing is scheduled for June 12 to determine whether the freeze should remain in place for a longer period.
The Trump administration has until June 5 to file arguments opposing the temporary restrictions.
The Justice Department created the $1.776 billion fund earlier this month.
The program was designed to provide compensation and formal apologies to people who could prove they were politically targeted or unfairly treated by the federal government.
Trump himself was not allowed to directly receive payments from the fund.
However, critics raised concerns that organizations or individuals connected to him could potentially benefit.
Under the plan, five commissioners would oversee the program and decide who qualified for compensation.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche was expected to select the commission members.
The controversy has already triggered political fights beyond the courtroom.
Some Democratic-led states have explored ways to counter the fund, including proposals to tax recipients at 100%.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom previously backed such a proposal, arguing that residents should not benefit financially from the program.
Supporters of the fund say the legal challenges are an effort to deny compensation to people harmed by government overreach.
Opponents argue the fund lacks proper safeguards and could reward political allies under the banner of anti-weaponization.
For now, the fund is frozen while the court weighs whether the administration can continue building the program.
Why It Matters
The ruling temporarily stops one of Trump’s most controversial justice-related initiatives. The case could determine whether the administration can use settlement money to create a large compensation program for people claiming political targeting by the federal government.
What Comes Next
The next major step is the June 12 hearing, where the judge will decide whether to keep the fund blocked while litigation continues. The Trump administration must file its response by June 5.
A federal judge temporarily blocked payouts from Trump’s nearly $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund while the legal challenge continues.
BREAKING: A federal judge temporarily blocks any payouts from the Trump administration’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” settlement fund. https://t.co/aIeZ2LLH8I
— The Associated Press (@AP) May 29, 2026
