Judge temporarily blocks payouts from Trump’s $1.8B ‘anti-weaponization’ settlement fund
PBS NewsHour – Politics — 2026-05-29 09:38:00 — www.pbs.org
Federal Judge Blocks Trump’s $1.776 Billion Settlement Fund
In a significant legal setback for former President Donald Trump, a federal judge has temporarily blocked his administration from disbursing any claims through a newly established $1.776 billion settlement fund. This fund was created for Trump’s allies who allege they were victims of a “weaponized government.”
Judge’s Ruling and Legal Challenges
U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema, appointed by President Bill Clinton, issued the ruling on Friday in Alexandria, Virginia. The judge has also prohibited the government from proceeding with the fund’s creation while litigation is ongoing. A hearing has been scheduled for June 12 to discuss whether to extend this order.
Backlash from Both Sides of the Aisle
The fund, intended to resolve Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service regarding the leak of his tax returns, has faced intense criticism since its announcement. Even some Republicans have expressed concerns, particularly about the eligibility criteria, which could potentially allow individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riots to seek compensation.
Legal Advocacy Group’s Opposition
Attorneys from the legal advocacy group Democracy Forward are actively seeking a court order to halt the fund’s implementation. They argue that there is no legal basis or accountability for the fund, raising questions about its legitimacy and purpose.
Current Status of the Fund
As it stands, the Justice Department has yet to establish the five-member commission responsible for determining payout criteria, meaning no claims have been accepted or funds disbursed thus far.
This latest development underscores the ongoing legal and political challenges surrounding Trump and his administration’s actions, as well as the contentious nature of the fund designed to support his allies.