Federal Court Halts Trump’s Anti-Weaponization Fund Amid Legal Challenges

Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche testified during a Senate appropriations hearing on May 19, 2026, in Washington, D.C., where significant developments unfolded concerning a controversial Trump administration initiative.

The Justice Department announced its compliance with a federal court decision that temporarily blocks the Trump administration’s $1.776 billion anti-weaponization fund. This fund aimed to support individuals claiming that the federal government had been unjustly weaponized against them. The initiative gained traction among Trump supporters, particularly during the Biden administration.

Democratic lawmakers criticized the fund, labeling it a “slush fund” for Trump loyalists. Even some Republican legislators showed hesitation in backing the proposal. A federal judge from the Eastern District of Virginia issued the temporary block following a lawsuit filed by Democracy Forward and other groups.

In a post on X, the Justice Department expressed strong disagreement with the court’s decision. The department emphasized that the fund was accessible to anyone who felt targeted or persecuted, irrespective of political affiliation. Despite this dissent, the department confirmed it would adhere to the court’s ruling.

The anti-weaponization fund was part of a settlement between former President Trump and his Justice Department, stemming from a $10 billion lawsuit Trump filed against the IRS over leaked tax returns. The judge is considering whether to convert her temporary injunction into a permanent one, with a hearing scheduled for June 12.

In a related matter, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams in Florida is contemplating reopening Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS. The government had previously announced a settlement, with both parties agreeing to drop the case. Williams questioned the legitimacy of the case, given Trump’s involvement on both sides. Believing the court might have been misled, Williams has given Trump’s legal team until June 12 to provide a response.