Anti-Weaponisation Fund: Trump rethinks USD 1.8 billion plan after court-ordered pause

US President Donald Trump is reconsidering whether to proceed with the USD 1.8 billion Anti-Weaponisation Fund after the Justice Department temporarily paused implementation to comply with a court order. The fund, tied to Trump’s lawsuit over leaked tax returns, has faced legal hurdles and Republican concerns about oversight and possible payouts linked to January 6.

US President Donald Trump was reconsidering whether to proceed with a USD 1.8 billion compensation fund, according to a person familiar with Trump’s thinking. The Justice Department said on Monday it would pause work on the fund. The move followed a court order that halted implementation while legal arguments continue later this month.

The proposal drew stronger resistance from Republicans in Congress than support from Trump’s backers. Critics cited weak oversight and worries about who could receive payouts. The plan also faced legal obstacles since it was announced two weeks ago. Some Republicans also raised concerns about payments linked to the January 6, 2021, US Capitol riot.

Trump Anti-Weaponisation Fund faces Republican backlash

The fund was described by the Trump administration as the USD 1.776 billion Anti-Weaponisation Fund. It was tied to resolving Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service. The suit concerned the leak of Trump’s tax returns. Officials argued it was meant to address what they called weaponised law enforcement during the Biden administration.

Even so, several lawmakers urged limits or a full cancellation. The issue affected Senate planning and votes. Republicans had left Washington 10 days earlier without passing funding for Trump’s immigration enforcement agencies. On Monday, returning senators said the Homeland Security spending bill lacked support without new limits on the fund.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune signalled that Republicans wanted the White House to end it. "I do think the best way to handle it is if the administration decides to shut it down themselves,\" Thune told reporters. The comment came as Senate leaders weighed how the fund could affect broader negotiations on spending.

Trump Anti-Weaponisation Fund paused after court order

The Justice Department said it would comply with a federal judge’s ruling in Virginia on Friday. The department also said it strongly disagreed with that decision. The pause was linked to pending litigation challenges. The case added to uncertainty around whether the fund could be formed as planned.

US District Judge Leonie Brinkema temporarily blocked the fund’s formation in Virginia. Judge Brinkema scheduled a June 12 hearing on whether to extend the order. The order barred the government from moving forward while the case proceeds. The Justice Department said on Monday it would follow the ruling.

In its statement, the department said the fund was open to anybody who was so weaponized, targeted, or persecuted, whether they were Democrat, Republican, Conservative, Independent, or otherwise. That wording became part of the dispute in Congress. Some Republicans said clearer rules were needed before any money was distributed.

Trump Anti-Weaponisation Fund adds pressure in Senate talks

Senators questioned acting Attorney General Todd Blanche about the plan in a closed-door meeting last month. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas described it as tense. \"one of the roughest meetings Ive seen in my entire time in the Senate.\" The exchange reflected concerns about controls and the possible recipient pool.

Trump also discussed the fund with House Speaker Mike Johnson during a Monday meeting. A person with knowledge of the private conversation confirmed the topic. Another person familiar with the matter said Trump was weighing whether to move forward. Both people spoke on condition of anonymity due to the private nature of the talks.

Trump Anti-Weaponisation Fund also questioned in Florida case

A separate ruling in Florida added to the fund’s uncertainty. The judge overseeing Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS ordered Trump’s lawyers to address claims from settlement critics. US District Judge Kathleen Williams gave a June 12 deadline. The order sought responses on allegations of collusion and whether the court faced fraud.

Together, the court actions and political pressure left the fund’s future unclear. The Justice Department said it would pause implementation while the Virginia case proceeds. Republicans in Congress continued to press for oversight and limits. Trump’s discussions with congressional leaders and the June 12 hearings were set to shape next steps.

With inputs from PTI