Judges Demand Written Assurance From Trump on Fund's Status

WHO:

Alternet - U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward Jr., Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, legal analyst Lisa Rubin, legal reporter David Rohde, Andrew Floyd (lead plaintiff).

The Independent - Andrew Block (senior counsel to Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward Jr.), Trump, his sons Don Jr. and Eric, the Trump Organization.

WHAT:

Alternet - The Department of Justice (DOJ) refused to submit a sworn declaration regarding President Trump's proposed anti-weaponization fund.

The Independent - The proposed fund is nearly $1.8 billion and has been labeled a “slush fund” by critics.

The Independent - A preliminary injunction was issued by Judge Brinkema to block the establishment of the compensation fund.

The Independent - The DOJ stated that the fund was part of a settlement agreement related to a lawsuit Trump filed against the IRS for $10 billion.

WHERE:

Alternet - The actions are taking place in federal court, with references to locations in Florida, Chicago, Rhode Island, and Washington, D.C.

The Independent - The lead plaintiff, Andrew Floyd, is a former federal prosecutor.

WHEN:

Alternet - The deadline for the DOJ to submit the declarations was June 19.

The Independent - Judge Brinkema set a deadline for the DOJ to file declarations by a specified Friday, with a response required by July 17.

WHY:

Alternet - Judge Brinkema aimed to avoid further litigation in the civil action regarding the fund.

The Independent - The DOJ's refusal to provide signed declarations stems from concerns over separation of powers and claims that such declarations are unnecessary.

HOW:

Alternet - The DOJ has cited previous congressional testimony and court filings as evidence of their position on the fund.

The Independent - Andrew Block argued that compelled testimony from senior officials implicates serious separation of powers concerns.

(UPDATED June 21, 2026 13:29 UTC)

In a significant legal development, U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema has issued a preliminary injunction to block the establishment of President Trump's proposed anti-weaponization fund, which critics have labeled a “slush fund” and is nearly $1.8 billion. The Department of Justice has refused to submit a sworn declaration regarding the fund, citing concerns over separation of powers and claiming that such declarations are unnecessary, while the lead plaintiff, Andrew Floyd, a former federal prosecutor, is involved in the ongoing civil action. Judge Brinkema has set a deadline for the DOJ to file declarations by a specified Friday, with a response required by July 17.