Judge continues to block DOJ's $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund

A federal judge is maintaining her block on the Justice Department's controversial $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund, signaling continued skepticism toward the Trump administration's assertions that the program is defunct. U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema issued a preliminary injunction, indefinitely halting the creation or operation of the fund. She had previously placed a temporary block on any actions related to the fund to prevent payouts while considering a request for longer-term relief from plaintiffs challenging the program. Brinkema has given the government one week to provide a sworn declaration from Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, asserting under penalty of perjury that the fund will not proceed. The judge indicated that such a declaration would likely lead her to dismiss the case. During a hearing, Brinkema rejected the Justice Department's arguments that the case was moot, citing that statements about the fund's future were not made under oath. She also pointed to recent statements from President Trump supporting the fund as evidence that it could be revived. Brinkema questioned why Blanche had not rescinded the order establishing the fund, noting a "huge gap" in the case record due to the lack of communication between the Justice Department lawyer and the acting attorney general on this matter. The judge expressed concern that nearly $1.8 billion in taxpayer money could potentially go to individuals convicted in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol assault.

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that means the issue really is not moot.