Court Order Forces Temporary Halt to Trump Administration’s $1.8bn Fund

The Trump administration has agreed to temporarily suspend plans for a $1.8 billion compensation programme after a federal judge ordered a freeze on the initiative ahead of a court hearing later this month.

The fund, known as the “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” has sparked intense political and legal debate, with opponents accusing the administration of creating a mechanism that could benefit political supporters of President Donald Trump.

US District Judge Leonie Brinkema issued an order last week preventing further action on the fund until a June 12 hearing.

Responding to the ruling, the Justice Department said it “disagrees strongly” with the decision but confirmed it would “abide by the court’s ruling.”

According to the department, the fund was created to address “the tremendous abuse, harm, and hate unfairly shown to so many people” and is intended for anyone who believes they were unfairly targeted by government actions, regardless of political affiliation.

Despite that defence, reports from Axios and other US media suggest the administration may now shelve the project. A source familiar with the matter told Axios: “It’s dead for now.”

The fund originated from a settlement tied to Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service after his tax records were leaked by a former contractor.

Supporters say the programme was designed to compensate victims of what Trump calls politically motivated prosecutions and government targeting. Critics argue it lacks legal authority, transparency and congressional oversight.

Opponents have also raised concerns that people convicted in connection with the January 6 Capitol attack could become eligible for payments. Trump had previously pardoned more than 1,500 individuals convicted over the assault on Congress shortly after returning to office.

The lawsuit that prompted the court order argues the fund is a “collusive agreement” lacking any legal or constitutional basis.

Political resistance has emerged even within Republican ranks, with some lawmakers expressing concern about how the money could be distributed.

The legal battle is expected to continue, as multiple groups—including Capitol police officers and government accountability organisations—seek permanent court action to block the programme.

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