It’s been one of Donald Trump’s most controversial proposals, and that’s saying something: the creation of a $1.776 billion “anti-weaponization fund” funded by proceeds from the president’s self-dealing settlement with the IRS. The fund would dole out money to allies of the president who were prosecuted or otherwise punished for their actions during Trump’s first term, and it could conceivably result in taxpayer money going to January 6 assailants.
Now, at least temporarily, that fund has been blocked.
“…to ensure that no funds are irreversibly disbursed”
New: A federal judge in Virginia has temporarily barred the Trump administration from acting on claims for payouts from the $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund” while she weighs a longer-term block; hearing set for 6/12… pic.twitter.com/70NyLtlDIv
— Zoe Tillman (@ZoeTillman) May 29, 2026
According to Axios, U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema has “ordered the Department of Justice to hold off on taking further action on the fund, including transferring money to it.”
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The New York Times added that the proposal will remain on hold until a hearing can take place on June 12.
“Because full briefing of the issue will enhance the ability of the Court to make a sound decision. plaintiffs’ Expedited Motion, [Dkt. No. 30], is DENIED and defendants’ request for additional time is GRANTED,” the ruling itself says.
“However, to ensure that no funds are irreversibly disbursed from the Anti-Weaponization Fund (hereinafter, “Fund”) while plaintiffs’ Motion is pending, it is hereby ORDERED that defendants be and are ENJOINED from taking any further action pursuant to the creation or operation of the Anti-Weaponization Fund, which includes the transferring of money to the Fund; the consideration of any claims submitted to the Fund; and the disbursing of any funds from the Fund;^ and it is further ORDERED that defendants file their Opposition to plaintiffs’ Motion by close of business on Friday, June 5, 2026; and it is further ORDERED that plaintiffs file their Reply by close of business on Wednesday, June 10, 2026; and it is further ORDERED that the hearing on plaintiffs’ Motion currently noticed for Friday, June 5, 2026, at 10:00 am be and is RESET to Friday, June 12, 2026 at 10:00 am.”
Photo courtesy of the Political Tribune media library.
