A federal judge in Virginia has issued a temporary injunction preventing the Trump administration from proceeding with plans to establish a $1.8 billion fund intended to compensate individuals who were allegedly wrongfully targeted by the government. US District Judge Leonie Brinkema's order prohibits any actions related to the Anti-Weaponization Fund, including transferring money, considering claims, or disbursing funds. A hearing is scheduled for June 12 to discuss the possibility of a longer-term injunction against the fund's establishment.
The fund, announced after Trump settled a lawsuit against the IRS, is designed to review claims from individuals who assert they were unfairly targeted by previous administrations. Critics, including a former federal prosecutor and various organizations, argue that the fund is unconstitutional and violates federal laws, particularly regarding its funding from the DOJ’s Judgment Fund. They contend that the legal case supporting the fund is without merit due to Trump's dual role as both plaintiff and head of the executive branch.
The plaintiffs have expressed concerns that they are facing irreparable harm from the fund's creation and that any disbursement of funds could be permanent before the court has a chance to review the legality of the program. The judge has requested the Justice Department to submit legal arguments by next Friday.
