The Justice Department announced Monday its compliance with a federal court’s order blocking the proposed “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” despite its strong disagreement with the ruling. Republican backlash to the initiative has intensified.
In a statement, the DOJ criticized the Eastern District of Virginia judge’s decision to bar the fund. The department asserted the fund aimed to support individuals who felt unfairly targeted or persecuted, regardless of political affiliation. It claimed the fund addressed “abuse, harm, and hate” but confirmed adherence to the court’s decision, halting the effort for now.
The Department of Justice disagrees strongly with the decision on the Anti-Weaponization Fund put forth by the United States District Court Judge in the Eastern District of Virginia. The Court stated that, under no circumstances, may the Department of Justice proceed with the recently established Anti-Weaponization Fund, intended to make up for the tremendous abuse, harm, and hate unfairly shown to many people. This fund was open to anyone targeted or persecuted, Democrat, Republican, Conservative, Independent, or otherwise. The Department will abide by the Court’s ruling.
The DOJ provided this statement to Newsweek via email. Former Vice President Mike Pence also opposed the controversial $1.8 billion fund, calling it “deeply offensive” and urging its cancellation. Pence joined other high-profile Republicans voicing opposition, expanding the initial backlash from Capitol Hill to a broader party dispute.
Republican critics in the Senate and House have publicly denounced the fund, reflecting deeper divisions within the GOP over the proposal.
What Was the Anti-Weaponization Fund?
The controversy centers on nearly $1.8 billion in federal money tied to the fund, as well as concerns about executive authority and the use of taxpayer funds. It also involves the eligibility of individuals convicted in connection with the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot, where Trump supporters attempted to overturn the 2020 presidential election results.
The fund emerged from a settlement between the DOJ and Trump, resolving his $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS over leaked tax returns. In exchange for dropping the case, the DOJ established the fund, allowing individuals claiming government “weaponization” to seek compensation or formal apologies through a commission reviewing claims through 2028.
The DOJ described the fund as a “systematic process to hear and redress claims of others who suffered weaponization and lawfare.” Trump and allies have argued that Biden-era law enforcement unfairly targeted conservatives, including those involved in January 6 cases.
A DOJ spokesperson expressed confidence in the fund’s legality, citing ample precedent, including Obama-era settlements. The spokesperson also emphasized that judicial preferences would not interfere with efforts to provide restitution to victims of lawfare.
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