Trump administration will abide by ruling halting $1.8bn 'anti-weaponisation' fund

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Washington DC: The Trump administration confirmed on Monday it will abide by a federal court order temporarily blocking its $1.8 billion ‘anti-weaponisation’ fund. The Department of Justice, despite declaring it ‘disagrees strongly’ with the ruling, will comply with the injunction until a June 12 hearing.

U.S. Judge Leonie Brinkema issued the temporary halt following a lawsuit alleging the fund is discriminatory. The initiative, established after a settlement regarding leaked tax returns, was intended to compensate those who claimed to be ‘victims of lawfare’ or politically targeted by previous administrations.

The fund faced intense bipartisan backlash, with critics labeling it a ‘slush fund.’ Concerns have been raised that the broad eligibility criteria could allow individuals prosecuted for the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot or members of the president's former inner circle to seek payouts.

Key political figures, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, former Vice-President Mike Pence, and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, have all voiced firm opposition. As political pressure mounts to permanently scrap the project, the administration’s compliance signals a potential end to the controversial compensation scheme.