DOJ Warns Courts Against Interfering With Trump's Fund Access

WHO:

Alternet - President Trump, Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.

Talking Points Memo - U.S. District Judge Mary McElroy of Rhode Island, FBI Director Kash Patel.

WHAT:

Alternet - The Justice Department has a fund known as the Judgement Fund that allows for the settlement of legal claims against the government, which could be used to pay individuals involved in the January 6 insurrection.

Alternet - The Judgement Fund is described as a “bottomless pit of money” that requires approval from a single DOJ official for payouts.

Alternet - Trump allies, including Mike Flynn and Carter Page, have received payouts through the Judgement Fund.

Alternet - The family of Ashli Babbitt received just under $5 million to settle a lawsuit related to her death during the January 6 riot.

Alternet - Nine January 6 participants filed a lawsuit seeking more than $1 million each for injuries and losses related to the protest.

Talking Points Memo - The DOJ stated that the “anti-weaponization” fund is now dead and argued that there is nothing to litigate regarding it.

WHERE:

Alternet - The lawsuits related to the January 6 insurrection are being filed in federal courts, including one in D.C. and another in the Eastern District of Virginia.

Talking Points Memo - The case challenging the fund is being heard in D.C. and the Eastern District of Virginia.

WHEN:

Alternet - Trump has a deadline to respond to claims regarding the original lawsuit against the IRS by the upcoming Friday.

WHY:

Alternet - Critics argue that the Judgement Fund could be misused by the executive branch, and there are calls for Congress to impose guardrails on how payouts are issued.

Alternet - Senator Lindsey Graham suggested that victims of the Biden administration should be compensated through existing legal systems.

HOW:

Alternet - Claims against the government can be filed formally to access the Judgement Fund, which only requires the approval of a single DOJ official.

(UPDATED June 9, 2026 01:37 UTC)

The Justice Department's Judgement Fund, which allows for the settlement of legal claims against the government, could potentially be used to pay individuals involved in the January 6 insurrection, and critics are raising concerns about its misuse. Notably, the family of Ashli Babbitt received just under $5 million to settle a lawsuit related to her death during the riot, while nine other participants are seeking over $1 million each for their injuries and losses. President Trump has a deadline to respond to claims regarding the original lawsuit against the IRS by the upcoming Friday, as discussions continue about the need for Congress to impose guardrails on how payouts from the fund are issued.