Trump Administration Pledges Compliance with Court Order Blocking $1.8bn 'Anti-Weaponisation' Fund

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced its intention to follow a judicial decision that temporarily prevents the establishment of a $1.8bn (£1.3bn) compensation program initiated by the Trump administration. The fund was designed to reimburse individuals who claimed they suffered unjust treatment under prior federal administrations. In a statement released on Monday, the DOJ expressed strong disagreement with the court’s ruling, though it confirmed it would adhere to the order.

The initiative, described by the administration as an "anti-weaponisation fund," was part of a settlement agreement between Donald Trump and the federal government regarding the unauthorized release of the former president’s tax returns. The proposal faced immediate backlash; Democrats labeled it a "slush fund," while Republicans voiced opposition. Consequently, a federal judge issued a temporary injunction halting the fund’s creation pending a preliminary hearing scheduled for June 12.

On Monday, the DOJ defended the program’s purpose via a post on X, stating it was established "to make up for the tremendous abuse, harm, and hate unfairly shown to so many people." The department emphasized that eligibility was not restricted by political affiliation, noting the fund was "open to anybody who was so weaponized, targeted, or persecuted, whether they were Democrat, Republican, Conservative, Independent, or otherwise." The White House deferred questions regarding the ruling to the Justice Department.

The legal challenge stems from a lawsuit filed in Virginia by two men who argued the fund was discriminatory. These plaintiffs asserted they had been subjected to political retribution by the Trump administration and feared they would be ineligible for compensation. The lawsuit prompted US Judge Leonie Brinkema to intervene. Last week, she issued a two-page order temporarily stopping the creation of the $1.776bn fund, which was intended for "victims of lawfare." Brinkema prohibited the DOJ from taking any steps to operationalize the fund, including processing or distributing claims, until the June 12 hearing.

In response to the injunction, a DOJ spokesperson stated they remained "extremely confident" in the legality of the scheme. The fund’s broad eligibility criteria had raised concerns among various groups, including several Trump supporters prosecuted for their involvement in the January 6, 2021, US Capitol riot, as well as members of Trump’s former inner circle, who indicated plans to seek compensation.

Political opposition to the fund has intensified since it was announced last month by Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche, Trump’s former personal lawyer, who assumed the role in April following Pam Bondi’s removal. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, the top Republican in the Senate, has been a vocal critic. On Monday, he reiterated that he favors the White House voluntarily shutting down the proposed fund. Thune linked this stance to the broader legislative agenda, stating, "I made my views very clear on the issue," and adding that "the best way to handle it is if the administration decides to shut it down themselves." He suggested that passing a $72bn (£53.5bn) budget reconciliation package for immigration agencies could be contingent on the fund's closure.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer also signaled strong resistance. On Monday, he announced on X that "Senate Democrats will push legislation to ban Trump's corrupt MAGA slush fund and ensure that no president can ever do this again." Schumer vowed to ensure the fund was permanently eliminated, comparing the effort to their previous actions regarding "Trump's ballroom."

Adding to the criticism, former Vice-President Mike Pence, who served under Trump during his first term, condemned the initiative over the weekend. Pence described the fund as a "bad idea from the start" and urged that it be abandoned.

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-06-01 23:03:39 UTC