Court Extends Order Blocking Trump’s $1.8 Billion Anti-Weaponization Fund Disbursement Plan
US court extends block on Trump’s $1.8 billion fund
A federal court has extended an indefinite block on the Trump administration’s proposed $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” a settlement-style programme intended to compensate individuals alleging harm from what officials described as politically motivated or “weaponised” government actions, amid continuing legal challenges over its legality and status.
The ruling was issued on Friday by US District Judge Leonie Brinkema, who maintained a court order preventing the creation or operation of the fund. She rejected the government’s argument that the case had become “moot,” stating that there was no clear and formal cancellation of the initiative that would justify lifting judicial oversight at this stage.
The proposed fund had drawn significant scrutiny since its announcement, with critics questioning its legal basis, scope, and potential implications for how federal accountability mechanisms are structured. Lawmakers from both parties raised concerns in Congress, arguing that the programme lacked sufficient clarity and could set a precedent for politically driven compensation schemes.
Also Read: Trump Claims US Strike Killed Venezuelan Gang Leader Niño Guerrero In Operation
Earlier this month, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche informed lawmakers that the administration was moving to abandon the fund following widespread political backlash. Government lawyers subsequently argued in court that, because the programme had been scrapped, the lawsuits challenging it should no longer proceed.
However, plaintiffs’ attorneys rejected that position, arguing that no binding document or official directive had formally terminated the fund. They contended that the government’s statements did not amount to a legally enforceable withdrawal, leaving the possibility that the programme could be revived or restructured in the future without judicial restraint.
Judge Brinkema sided with the plaintiffs, stating that the government’s mootness argument “does not go anywhere,” and that the court could not treat the matter as resolved without a definitive and legally binding action ending the fund. Her order ensures that the injunction blocking the initiative will remain in place indefinitely while litigation continues.
President Donald Trump has not issued a formal and unequivocal statement confirming the cancellation of the fund. While administration officials have indicated the programme is being withdrawn, Trump has continued to express general support for the concept in public remarks, contributing to ongoing uncertainty over its future.
The case now remains active in federal court, with further proceedings expected to determine whether the proposed fund will be permanently struck down or whether the administration could attempt to revive a revised version under different legal parameters. Until then, the court’s injunction ensures the programme remains blocked, preserving the status quo while the dispute moves forward.
Also Read: Mark Carney Adopts Muted Tone On Donald Trump Ahead Of G7 Summit
