Judge continues to block Justice Department’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund
Judge continues to block Justice Department's $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund
Judge continues to block Justice Department - In a recent ruling, U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema extended her halt on the Trump administration’s nearly $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund, casting doubt on the department’s assertion that the program is not advancing. The judge’s decision maintains a preliminary injunction that prevents the fund from being established or operated until further legal clarity is reached.
Sworn Declarations Required
Brinkema mandated that the government submit a sworn declaration, signed by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, affirming their commitment to not proceeding with the fund. The declaration, under penalty of perjury, must be filed by June 19. If submitted, the judge indicated the case might be dismissed.
Case Not Moot, Judge Argues
During the hearing, Brinkema challenged the Justice Department’s claim that the case was moot. She noted that while officials stated the fund was not moving forward, these declarations lacked the legal weight of perjury. “That means the issue really is not moot,” she emphasized, citing President Trump’s recent support for the program as evidence of ongoing interest.
“When the president says he wants something, that’s a pretty good indicator there will be an incentive and motive to make it happen,” Brinkema remarked.
The judge also questioned why Blanche had not rescinded the May 18 order that created the fund. Justice Department lawyer Andrew Block admitted he had not consulted with Blanche on the matter, which Brinkema deemed a critical gap in the case’s documentation.
Constitutional Concerns Highlighted
Brinkema raised concerns about the fund’s potential to allocate taxpayer money to individuals convicted of crimes related to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack. She read from a friend-of-the-court brief by Senators Cory Booker and Bill Cassidy, who described the initiative as an “immediate and dire threat” to the constitutional order. The senators argued the program was designed to compensate those involved in the assault without proper oversight.
“The public interest in the case is very, very strong,” Brinkema stated, underscoring support for the plaintiffs challenging the initiative.
Plaintiffs’ lawyer Pooja Boisture contended that blocking the fund is essential to prevent misuse of taxpayer funds. Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward, praised Brinkema’s ruling as a “significant victory for the Constitution, the rule of law, and people in America,” highlighting the program’s secretive nature and lack of constitutional safeguards.