US Justice Department rebuffs judge's request to halt 'anti-weaponization' fund tied to Trump IRS settlement
The US Justice Department has rebuffed a federal judge's request to put in writing that it will not move forward with a so-called "anti-weaponization" fund created as part of a settlement of President Donald Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service. The judge had sought clarity on whether the fund would be activated. The department says its existing statements are sufficient.
The US Justice Department has declined a federal judge's request to confirm in writing that it will not activate the so-called "anti-weaponization" fund created under the settlement of President Donald Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service. The department argued it is under no obligation to provide a formal pledge about future use of the fund.
Announced in May, the fund is designed to support former federal officials who claim they were targeted in investigations of Trump's political opponents. Critics say the eligibility criteria are intentionally broad and could be steered toward politically motivated payouts. Democratic senators have also said the current structure weakens oversight of the executive branch.
The written assurance requested by the judge sits at the heart of a dispute that will carry into the next hearing. A department spokesperson said public statements already offer sufficient guarantees, while figures close to the White House described the judge's request as "overly broad." The ruling could shape debate over other administration funds with similar structures.
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