DOJ rejects judge's request over anti-weaponization fund
DOJ anti-weaponization fund dispute delays a controversial $1.8 billion plan See why a judge wants written assurances and how the case could affect outcomes
The U.S. Department of Justice has declined a federal judge’s request to provide a sworn written declaration saying it will not move ahead with a proposed $1.8 billion antiweaponization fund.
The dispute centers on a lawsuit before Judge Leonie Brinkema, who has kept the fund blocked while seeking written assurances from Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent that the plan is off the table. DOJ lawyers argued the judge’s request was unnecessary because administration officials have already said the fund will not proceed.
The fund was announced as part of a settlement tied to Donald Trump’s lawsuit over the leak of his tax records. Critics have said the money could potentially be used to benefit people connected to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot, which has fueled bipartisan concern about the proposal.