A federal judge has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s administration from moving forward with a nearly $1.8 billion fund intended to compensate individuals who claim they were harmed by what Trump has described as government “weaponization.”
The ruling, issued Friday by U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema in the Eastern District of Virginia, prevents the administration from taking further steps to establish or operate the fund while legal challenges are considered.
The fund was announced by the Justice Department last week as part of a settlement agreement resolving Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service over the leak of his tax records.
Brinkema’s order bars the administration from transferring money into the fund, considering claims, or distributing any payments.
The judge also scheduled a June 12 hearing to determine whether the temporary restrictions should remain in place while litigation continues.
The lawsuit challenging the fund was brought by plaintiffs represented by Democracy Forward, a legal advocacy group seeking to halt its implementation.
According to the complaint, the fund lacks a legal foundation and sufficient accountability measures.
The court order blocks the administration from “taking any further action” related to the creation or operation of the fund until additional arguments are heard.
The proposed fund, valued at approximately $1.776 billion, has drawn criticism and questions from opponents as well as some Republicans since its announcement.
Concerns have focused on how eligibility would be determined and who could potentially qualify for compensation.
Some critics have questioned whether individuals connected to the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot could seek payments under the program.
The Justice Department has not yet established the five-member commission responsible for setting payout criteria.
No claims have been accepted and no funds have been distributed.
The administration’s plans are also being challenged by a coalition of individuals and organizations that argue they would be excluded from receiving compensation.
The June 12 hearing is expected to shape whether the government can resume work on the fund while the broader legal dispute proceeds.