Leonie Brinkema

A federal judge has allowed a lawsuit over the U.S. Department of Justice's 'anti-weaponization' fund to proceed. Judge Leonie Brinkema stated that a short written declaration under penalty of perjury would have been sufficient to dismiss the case.

The Justice Department (DOJ) refused a federal judge's demand to confirm a nearly $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund is defunct, citing 'serious separation of powers concerns.' Judge Leonie Brinkema blocked the fund and set a seven-day deadline for acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and an associate attorney to respond.

A U.S. Justice Department attorney stated that Trump administration officials considered unnecessary a requirement to sign a document under penalty of perjury confirming the termination of a proposed anti-weaponization fund. Judge Leonie Brinkema had ordered three senior officials to affirm the fund's cancellation, but Andrew Block argued the court already had sufficient assurances, citing prior statements from acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and others.

A federal judge in Virginia issued a preliminary injunction halting President Donald Trump's $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund for one week, requiring the government to sign a formal agreement confirming its dissolution. The judge cited concerns about the fund's potential use to pay Trump supporters, including individuals involved in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, which led to multiple lawsuits.

A U.S. federal judge extended a block on President Donald Trump’s 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' but indicated she may dismiss the case if officials confirm the project is abandoned. The judge rejected the Justice Department’s argument that the lawsuit became moot after the acting Attorney General stated the plan is not proceeding, citing Trump’s continued support as casting doubt on the decision.

A federal judge in Virginia issued a preliminary injunction halting President Donald Trump's $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund for one week, requiring the government to confirm its dissolution. The fund, created in exchange for Trump dropping a lawsuit against the IRS, faced legal challenges over concerns it would support individuals involved in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

A Clinton-appointed federal judge indefinitely blocked the Trump administration's $1.776 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund, citing concerns it could be revived. Another judge declined to intervene after the Justice Department said the fund would not proceed, but critics argue its formal termination remains incomplete. Trump expressed support for the fund, while the Justice Department faces pressure to confirm its permanent dismantlement.

A Clinton-appointed federal judge blocked the Trump administration's $1.776 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund, citing insufficient assurances it would not be revived. Another judge rejected a request to intervene but warned the Justice Department against reviving the program. The fund, created from a Trump-IRS lawsuit settlement, faces criticism as a potential 'slush fund' and has not been formally terminated.

A federal judge indefinitely extended a block on a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund under the Trump administration. The judge ordered officials to confirm the fund would not proceed, while the administration argued the case is moot after announcing it would not go forward. Critics called the fund a 'slush fund' for political allies and a tool for compensating those linked to the Jan. 6 insurrection.

A federal judge in Virginia issued a preliminary injunction halting President Donald Trump’s $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund for one week, requiring the government to sign a written agreement confirming its dissolution. The fund, created in exchange for Trump dropping a lawsuit against the IRS, faces legal challenges from plaintiffs including a former Department of Justice prosecutor and a protester, represented by Democracy Forward and Common Cause.

A federal judge in Virginia issued a preliminary injunction halting Trump's $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund for one week, requiring the government to sign a formal agreement confirming its dissolution. The fund, created in exchange for Trump dropping a lawsuit against the IRS, faces legal challenges from groups including Democracy Forward and Common Cause, who argue it could fund individuals involved in the 2021 Capitol riot.

A federal judge in Virginia issued a preliminary injunction halting Trump's $1.776 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund for one week, requiring the government to sign a formal agreement confirming its dissolution. The fund, created in exchange for Trump dropping a lawsuit against the IRS, faces legal challenges from plaintiffs including a former DOJ prosecutor and a protester, represented by Democracy Forward and Common Cause.

A federal judge in Virginia issued a preliminary injunction blocking President Donald Trump's $1.776 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund for one week, requiring the government to confirm its dissolution in writing. The fund, created in exchange for Trump dropping a lawsuit against the IRS, faces legal challenges from plaintiffs including a former DOJ prosecutor and a protester, represented by Democracy Forward and Common Cause, over concerns it could support individuals involved in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

A federal judge in Virginia issued a preliminary injunction halting Trump’s $1.776 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund for one week, requiring the government to confirm its dissolution. The fund, created in exchange for Trump dropping a lawsuit against the IRS, faces lawsuits over concerns it could pay individuals involved in the 2021 Capitol riot.

A federal judge extended a block on the Trump administration's $1.8 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' until further notice, rejecting the government's claim that lawsuits challenging the fund are moot. The fund, created to resolve a lawsuit over leaked tax returns, faces bipartisan opposition, and acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced plans to scrap it, though plaintiffs and judges remain unconvinced.

A U.S. District Judge indefinitely blocked Trump's 'anti-weaponization' fund and ordered the acting attorney general and Treasury secretary to submit written declarations confirming its termination within one week.

A federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s $1.776 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund for one week, requiring the government to sign a 'clear, unambiguous' agreement confirming its dissolution. Plaintiffs include a former Department of Justice Jan. 6 prosecutor and a protester, represented by Democracy Forward and Common Cause, who argue the fund could pay Trump supporters involved in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

A federal judge in Virginia blocked President Trump’s $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund for one week, requiring the government to sign an agreement confirming its dissolution. The fund, created by the Department of Justice in exchange for Trump dropping his lawsuit against the IRS, faces lawsuits from plaintiffs including a former DOJ prosecutor and a protester, represented by Democracy Forward and Common Cause.

A federal judge extended a block on the Trump administration's $1.8 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund', rejecting the government's claim that lawsuits against it are moot. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the fund's cancellation due to backlash, but Judge Leonie Brinkema ruled the block remains in place until the government provides a sworn declaration it will not revive the fund.

A federal judge extended a block on Trump’s $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund, which aims to compensate victims of a weaponized government. The Trump administration plans to scrap the fund due to bipartisan backlash, but plaintiffs argue it is illegal to divert taxpayer money for such payouts.

A federal judge extended a block on the Trump administration's $1.8 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' amid legal challenges. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the government would abandon the fund due to backlash, but plaintiffs and Judge Leonie Brinkema rejected assurances it would not proceed. Another judge, Richard Leon, accepted Blanche's claim that the fund is moot.

A federal judge rejected a government watchdog's request to block the Trump administration's $1.776 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund', which aims to compensate victims of a weaponized government. The judge noted the administration's claim to have abandoned the fund but left open a separate request for a preliminary injunction. Another judge temporarily blocked the fund, which is set to expire unless extended.

President Trump is reconsidering a $1.8 billion fund to compensate allies, as the Justice Department pauses its implementation to comply with a court order. The fund faces legal challenges and political backlash from Republicans over concerns about oversight and potential payouts to participants in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot.

President Donald Trump is reconsidering a $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund to compensate allies, as the Justice Department pauses its implementation following a court order and facing political backlash from Republicans over concerns about oversight and potential payouts to Jan. 6 riot participants. The fund, tied to Trump's lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service over tax return leaks, faces legal challenges and Senate opposition requiring parameters before funding immigration enforcement agencies.

President Donald Trump is reconsidering a $1.8 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' to compensate allies, as the Justice Department temporarily pauses its implementation following court orders. The fund, established to address a lawsuit over tax return disclosures, faces legal challenges and Republican opposition due to concerns about oversight and potential payouts to participants in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

The Trump administration's $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund, established to settle a lawsuit against the IRS, faces legal challenges and political backlash. Concerns include potential payouts to Jan. 6 rioters and lack of transparency, with a federal court temporarily blocking the fund. Congressional Republicans are divided, and advocacy groups like CREW have sued, calling it a misuse of authority.

A federal judge in Virginia temporarily blocked the Trump administration from transferring money into a $1.8bn Anti-Weaponization Fund while a legal challenge proceeds. The order prevents the government from taking further action on the fund to avoid irreversible disbursement of funds.

A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from proceeding with a $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization fund' amid a lawsuit challenging its legality. The fund, created as part of a settlement over leaked tax returns, is accused of violating constitutional rights and congressional authority by plaintiffs including a former federal prosecutor and a professor.

A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration's 'anti-weaponization fund,' which aims to pay individuals claiming wrongdoing by past administrations. The block follows a lawsuit alleging the fund violates constitutional rights and congressional authority, with a hearing scheduled for June 12.

A U.S. judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration's Justice Department from operating a $1.778 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' designed to compensate Americans targeted by federal investigations. The block follows a lawsuit by plaintiffs including a former prosecutor, a professor, and organizations like Common Cause and the National Abortion Federation, who argue the fund could incentivize violence and misuse public funds.

A U.S. judge temporarily blocked the Justice Department from operating a $1.778 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' created by the Trump administration to compensate individuals allegedly targeted by politicized investigations. The block follows a lawsuit by plaintiffs including a former prosecutor and groups opposing the fund, with a hearing scheduled for June 12.

A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from proceeding with a $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization fund' critics argue benefits political allies. The fund, established via a settlement in a Trump lawsuit over leaked tax returns, faces legal challenges alleging constitutional violations. Judge Leonie Brinkema halted disbursements pending a June 12 hearing.

A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration's 'anti-weaponization fund' after plaintiffs argued it violates constitutional rights and congressional authority. The fund, part of a settlement over leaked tax returns, aims to pay individuals claiming harm from past administrations. Judge Leonie Brinkema halted disbursements pending a June 12 hearing.

A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from advancing a $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization fund' created as part of a settlement over leaked tax returns. The fund, overseen by a board selected by acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, faces legal challenges from a former prosecutor and a professor, represented by Democracy Forward and Common Cause, who argue it violates constitutional rights and congressional authority.

A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration's 'anti-weaponization fund' while legal challenges continue. The fund, part of a $1.8 billion settlement from a tax return leak lawsuit, aims to compensate individuals claiming harm from past administrations. A lawsuit by a former prosecutor and a professor, supported by Democracy Forward and Common Cause, alleges the fund violates constitutional rights and congressional authority.

A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from advancing a $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund, which opponents argue could be used to pay political allies. The fund, created via a settlement in a lawsuit over leaked tax returns, is now halted pending a hearing on June 12, with plaintiffs alleging constitutional violations.

A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from proceeding with a $1.8 billion compensation package criticized as a 'slush fund' for President Trump’s political allies. The order halts transfers into the fund and the consideration of claims while the judge evaluates a potential longer-term pause.

A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration's 'anti-weaponization fund' while legal challenges continue. The fund, created as part of a settlement over leaked tax return information, is accused of violating constitutional rights and congressional authority by plaintiffs including a former prosecutor and a professor. The judge's order halts disbursements until a June 12 hearing.

A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s 'anti-weaponization fund' while legal challenges proceed. The fund, part of a settlement from a lawsuit over leaked tax returns, aims to pay individuals claiming past administrations wronged them. Plaintiffs in the lawsuit argue the fund violates constitutional rights and congressional authority.

A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration's 'anti-weaponization fund', which opponents argue could pay political allies. The fund, created via a settlement over leaked tax returns, is challenged in a lawsuit alleging constitutional violations. A hearing is set for June 12 to address the block.