Judge Skeptical Anti-Weaponization Fund Is Dead Despite DOJ Claims

Federal Judge Leonie Brinkema expressed skepticism on Friday that the Trump administration's $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund is dead, despite the Department of Justice's repeated claims that it has been rescinded. At a hearing in Alexandria, Virginia, Judge Brinkema questioned whether the administration might create a functional equivalent to the fund, which was designed to compensate allies of President Donald Trump who were prosecuted under the Biden administration. The judge's comments came during a hearing on the government's motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed in May by Democracy Forward and other plaintiffs, who argue that the fund and a related tax immunity deal for Trump and his family are unlawful. Judge Brinkema did not rule on the motion, leaving the case open for a future decision. "The issues that underlie this case are still alive and kicking in my view," she said. Attorney General Todd Blanche has repeatedly stated under oath that the fund is dead, including in congressional testimony and through a formal order rescinding it in August.