US judge says lawsuit against Trump compensation fund can proceed

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Washington DC: US District Judge Leonie Brinkema ruled that a lawsuit challenging a $1.8 billion compensation fund for President Donald Trump’s allies can proceed after the administration failed to provide sworn assurances that the program was abandoned.

Brinkema had previously ordered the government to submit a sworn statement to formally end the litigation. The administration refused, instead pointing to testimony from acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who claimed the ‘anti-weaponization’ initiative was ‘not moving forward’. The judge deemed these remarks insufficient to render the legal challenge moot.

The fund, created by the Justice Department, sought to compensate individuals claiming mistreatment through government ‘lawfare.’ Critics denounced it as a ‘slush fund’ for loyalists, fearing it could reward those involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol assault.

Originating from a settlement regarding leaked tax returns, the fund’s legal basis and lack of public oversight have drawn sharp criticism. With no formal commitment to scrap the plan, the legal challenge continues.

Photo Credits: AFP