Judge to Trump Officials on Fund: Put It in Writing

A federal judge isn't taking the Justice Department's word for it when it comes to the controversial $1.8 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund." On Friday, US District Judge Leonie Brinkema extended her order blocking the DOJ from moving ahead with the fund, ruling that Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's statement that it wasn't going forward wasn't enough, reports CNBC. The judge gave Blanche and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent a week to file sworn declarations confirming the fund is dead.

Brinkema pointed to President Trump's own public comments saying he still wants the fund, calling into question DOJ assurances. Critics say the money would result in windfalls for Jan. 6 rioters and others deemed to have been unfairly prosecuted in the Biden era. The original injunction came at the request of plaintiffs represented by advocacy group Democracy Forward, which is seeking to permanently halt the fund as unlawful. Brinkema, a Clinton appointee, said she would likely dismiss the challenge if Bessent and Blanche affirm under penalty of perjury that the fund is done, per Politico.