The US Justice Department announced it will comply with a federal court ruling that temporarily halts the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund created by the Trump administration to compensate individuals alleging unfair political targeting by previous administrations [1, 2].
US District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema issued the order blocking the fund’s operation and disbursement until a hearing set for June 12, 2026 [1, 2]. The department expressed strong disagreement with the ruling. A Justice Department spokesperson said, "The Department of Justice disagrees strongly with the decision on the Anti-Weaponization Fund put forth by the United States District Court Judge in the Eastern District of Virginia" [2].
The fund was announced last month by Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche, who took over after Pam Bondi’s removal [1]. It was established in May as a systematic way to address claims of governmental weaponization and lawfare, offering compensation to anyone who was "weaponized, targeted, or persecuted," regardless of political affiliation, whether Democrat, Republican, Conservative, Independent, or otherwise [1, 2].
The initiative sparked bipartisan criticism on Capitol Hill. Senate Majority Leader John Thune suggested the White House should abandon the fund if Congress passes a budget reconciliation package [2]. Reports also indicate the Trump administration may drop the project entirely [2].
President Donald Trump acknowledged the court ruling putting the fund on hold, stating, "We are subject to the courts. At this moment, that's what it is. If a court doesn't allow it, and right now a court has it held up, what can you do?" [2]
The legal challenge began when two men filed suit in Virginia alleging the fund was discriminatory and excluded some politically targeted individuals [1]. The temporary court order marks the latest development as the Justice Department awaits the June 12 hearing to determine the fund’s future operation [1, 2].
