politics

Judge temporarily blocks Justice Dept. work on $1.7+ billion "anti-weaponization" fund

Updated on: May 29, 2026 / 1:22 PM EDT / CBS News

Judge temporarily blocks Justice Dept. work on $1.7+ billion "anti-weaponization" fund

TL;DR

  • A federal judge issued a temporary block on the Justice Department's new $1.7+ billion Anti-Weaponization Fund.
  • The order prevents the Justice Department from taking any action related to the fund's creation or operation, including disbursing payments.
  • The fund was established as part of a settlement in Donald Trump's lawsuit against the IRS.
  • Plaintiffs argue the fund is an unlawful political compensation scheme lacking congressional authorization.
  • The Justice Department maintains the fund is legal and aims to provide restitution to victims of "lawfare."
  • Concerns have been raised that individuals involved in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack could benefit from the fund.
  • Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee have requested an investigation into the fund's creation.