A federal judge in Virginia has halted the Trump administration from moving forward with a $1.8 billion fund designed to compensate individuals the administration claims were wrongfully targeted by government agencies.
U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema issued the order blocking any actions related to the creation or operation of the Anti-Weaponization Fund, including money transfers, claim reviews, and fund disbursements. The judge scheduled a hearing for June 12 to consider whether to impose a longer-lasting halt on the government’s efforts to establish the fund.
What Prompted the Halt
The fund was announced this week as part of a broader settlement tied to President Trump withdrawing a $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service over the 2019 and 2020 leak of his tax returns. Critics argue Congress has not formally appropriated the $1.8 billion and raised concerns that attorneys representing January 6 Capitol riot defendants have indicated they may seek payments from the fund on behalf of their clients.
A coalition of individuals and entities challenging the fund claim they would be ineligible to receive compensation, according to court documents.
Congressional Response
The House Rules Committee last week rejected a Democratic amendment that would have barred individuals charged or convicted in connection with the January 6 Capitol riot from receiving compensation through the federal restitution fund. Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) introduced the amendment, stating, “This secret slush fund should be an outrage to every American, no matter your politics.”
The GOP-controlled committee voted against the measure, preventing debate on the House floor. McGovern later expressed frustration on social media, writing that Republicans blocked consideration of legislation that would stop the fund from compensating those convicted in the Capitol attack.
What Comes Next
The June 12 hearing will determine whether the temporary halt remains in place while legal challenges proceed. The dispute centers on whether the fund’s creation complies with congressional appropriation requirements and eligibility criteria for compensation.