U.S. Judge Issues Temporary Block on DOJ's Anti-Weaponization Fund

<p>A U.S. District Judge, Leonie Brinkema, issued a temporary order on Friday preventing the Justice Department from proceeding with the establishment or operation of a $1.778 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund. This decision follows a lawsuit from a group of plaintiffs, including a former prosecutor, who allege they were unfairly targeted by federal investigations.</p><p>The plaintiffs are seeking to halt payouts from the fund, which the Trump administration stated would compensate individuals targeted by politicized investigations on a case-by-case basis. The judge's order prohibits the DOJ from transferring money to the fund, considering claims submitted, or disbursing any funds.</p><p>A hearing has been scheduled for June 12 in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia. The plaintiffs include Andrew Floyd, a former Assistant U.S. Attorney who claims he was fired for his involvement in Jan. 6 cases, and Jonathan Caravello, a professor who was acquitted of assault charges related to a protest. Other plaintiffs include the government watchdog Common Cause, the city of New Haven, Connecticut, and the National Abortion Federation.</p><p>New Haven alleges that Trump administration officials have targeted it as a sanctuary city, while the National Abortion Federation expressed concerns that the fund could incentivize violence against abortion clinics. The fund was created as part of a settlement between President Trump and the IRS regarding the unauthorized disclosure of his tax records.</p><p>Claims against the fund will be evaluated by a five-member board appointed by the attorney general, with at least one member selected in consultation with congressional leadership. The fund is expected to operate until December 1, 2028, with financing sourced from the Judgment Fund, a Treasury account designated for government settlements and claims.</p>