Federal Judge Extends Block on Trump Administration's Settlement Fund

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — A federal judge has extended a court-ordered block on the Trump administration's creation and operation of a $1.8 billion settlement fund intended for compensating individuals claiming to be victims of government actions. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche informed Congress earlier this month that the government is abandoning plans for the fund due to bipartisan opposition. Despite this, plaintiffs' attorneys remain unconvinced by the government's assertion that lawsuits against the fund are now moot. U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema ruled that the 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' will remain blocked until further notice. Judge Brinkema expressed skepticism about the government's mootness argument, stating it lacks merit. President Donald Trump has not publicly confirmed the cancellation of the fund and has shown continued support for it in comments to the media. Brinkema has given the involved parties a week to negotiate an agreement for Blanche to submit a sworn declaration ensuring the fund will not be revived. Previously, Brinkema had temporarily blocked the fund's implementation for at least two weeks, with her order set to expire on Friday. The fund was established to address Trump's lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service regarding the leak of his tax returns. Plaintiffs opposing the fund argue that it improperly diverts taxpayer money into a fund for compensating Trump's associates. In a separate case, U.S. District Judge Richard Leon rejected a request from a government watchdog to block the fund, accepting the government's claim that it is now moot. Leon inquired why Blanche has not formally rescinded the order establishing the fund, but no answer was provided. In the Virginia case, Democracy Forward, a legal advocacy group, sought to suspend the fund's implementation and prevent any payouts. The plaintiffs include a former prosecutor and a college professor acquitted of assaulting federal agents during a protest. The Justice Department had not formed the commission responsible for determining payout criteria, resulting in no claims being accepted or payments made. Many of Trump's allies oppose compensating individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, although Blanche did not rule out the possibility of such individuals applying for payments. Trump issued pardons to Capitol rioters on his first day back in office last year, affecting over 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the attack.