Trump admin halts $1.8B anti‑weapon fund after judge order

The Trump administration has halted a controversial $1.8 billion fund intended to compensate individuals it describes as victims of government "weaponization," following a federal judge's order and significant political backlash. The Department of Justice confirmed Monday it will comply with the court's temporary block, pausing all payments and claims while legal challenges proceed.

The fund originated from an out-of-court settlement to resolve a $10 billion lawsuit President Donald Trump filed against the Internal Revenue Service in January. The lawsuit alleged mishandling of his tax records. The settlement, reached last month, also reportedly barred the IRS from auditing past tax returns filed by Trump, his family, and his companies.

Critics, including Democratic lawmakers and watchdog groups, denounced the proposed "Anti-Weaponization Fund" as a taxpayer-financed slush fund designed to benefit the president's political allies. They argued the program lacked transparency and proper oversight, with a five-member board appointed by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche set to administer payments without publicly disclosing recipients' identities.