Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche testified at a Senate appropriations hearing on May 19, 2026, in Washington, D.C. During this time, the Justice Department announced it would comply with a federal court ruling. This ruling temporarily halted the Trump administration’s $1.776 billion anti-weaponization fund amidst ongoing legal challenges.
The fund, introduced by the Trump administration, aimed to support those claiming federal government weaponization against them. This concept gained traction among some Trump supporters, especially during the Biden administration. However, Democratic lawmakers criticized it as a ‘slush fund’ for Trump supporters. Even some Republicans hesitated to endorse it.
The Eastern District of Virginia’s federal judge issued a temporary block on creating the fund following a lawsuit by Democracy Forward and others. The Justice Department expressed strong disagreement with the decision, posting on X that it disagrees with the statement from the U.S. District Court Judge, which claimed the Department may not proceed with the fund. The post also highlighted that the fund was open to anyone feeling targeted or persecuted, regardless of political affiliation, and confirmed their compliance with the court’s ruling.
This fund was part of a settlement between President Trump and his Justice Department following a $10 billion lawsuit Trump filed against the IRS over leaked tax returns. The judge is considering making the pause more permanent and plans a hearing on June 12.
In a related matter, a Florida judge is considering reopening Trump’s initial lawsuit against the IRS after a settlement announcement. Judge Kathleen Williams, of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, questioned the case due to Trump’s involvement on both sides. Appointed by the Obama administration, Williams stated she would consider if the case amounted to deception or if the court was ‘the victim of a fraud.’ She has given Trump’s lawyers a deadline of June 12 to respond.
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