Major setback for Trump: US judge blocks $1.8bn ‘weaponisation fund’ — what is it?

A US federal judge has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s administration from moving ahead with a controversial $1.776 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund”.US District Judge Leonie Brinkema in Virginia on Friday barred the administration from “taking any further action” to establish or operate the fund while legal challenges continue. The judge also stopped any payouts from being made and scheduled a June 12 hearing to decide whether the block should remain in place.The fund was created after Trump agreed to drop a $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service over the leak of his tax returns. In return, the administration planned to create a compensation programme for people who claimed they had been unfairly investigated or prosecuted by what Trump has repeatedly described as a “weaponized” federal government.The proposed fund would use taxpayer money from the federal Judgment Fund, a long-standing government account typically used to pay legal settlements and court-ordered damages. A five-member commission appointed by Attorney General Todd Blanche would decide who qualifies for payments.The administration said applicants from any political background could apply. However, critics warned the programme could allow compensation claims from January 6 rioters and Trump allies prosecuted during previous administrations.The initiative has faced bipartisan criticism in Congress and multiple lawsuits.