A Virginia federal court has issued a temporary restraining order preventing the Trump administration from distributing compensation through a controversial $1.776 billion fund designed for Republican allies claiming government persecution.
U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema in Alexandria, Virginia, issued the Friday ruling that also prevents the administration from establishing the fund while legal challenges proceed.
The Clinton-appointed judge has set a June 12 court hearing to consider arguments about extending the restraining order against the “Anti-Weaponization Fund.” The administration established this fund as part of resolving the president’s legal action against the Internal Revenue Service regarding leaked tax documents.
Since its announcement last week, the fund has sparked intense criticism across party lines, with Republican lawmakers questioning acting Attorney General Todd Blanche about who would qualify for payments and whether January 6, 2021 Capitol rioters could receive compensation.
No payments have been distributed or applications approved since the Justice Department has not yet assembled the five-person panel responsible for establishing payout guidelines.
Legal representatives from Democracy Forward, a legal advocacy organization, are pursuing a court injunction to stop the fund’s launch and block any future distributions. Their federal lawsuit argues the fund lacks proper legal foundation and oversight mechanisms.
