Judge Challenges DOJ, Insists Trump’s Anti-weaponization Case is Active
WHO:
Alternet - U.S. District Court Judge Leonie Brinkema, President Donald Trump, Attorney General Todd Blanche, legal advocacy group Democracy Forward, plaintiffs including a fired prosecutor and a college professor.
NBC News - President Donald Trump, Attorney General Todd Blanche, plaintiffs including the government watchdog Common Cause, the city of New Haven, Connecticut, and the National Abortion Federation.
WHAT:
Alternet - Judge Leonie Brinkema stated that the issues surrounding the fund are "still alive and kicking" and indicated that the fund's goals could still be pursued through the Treasury Department’s Judgment Fund.
Fox News - Brinkema suggested that some defendants convicted of FACE Act crimes have already received large payouts from the DOJ's Judgment Fund.
NBC News - Brinkema noted that the Trump administration's public statements contradict the DOJ's claims that the fund is dead, saying, "They contradict themselves all the time."
ABC News - Brinkema expressed skepticism about the DOJ's assurances that the fund will not move forward, stating, "The issues that underlie this case are still alive and kicking, in my view."
Alternet - Judge Brinkema intends to let lawsuits proceed against Trump's "Anti-Weaponization Fund," which is reported to be $1.8 billion.
Fox News - The DOJ lawyers requested the dismissal of a case related to the $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund," claiming it was terminated on August 2.
NBC News - The fund was created to resolve Trump's lawsuit against the IRS over the leak of his tax returns and has faced bipartisan backlash.
ABC News - The DOJ has stated that the $1.8 billion fund is dead.
WHERE:
Fox News - Alexandria, Virginia, where the court hearings are taking place.
WHEN:
Fox News - Attorney General Todd Blanche issued a formal order terminating the fund on August 2.
Fox News - Paul Vaughn was convicted in January 2024 for his role in blockading an abortion clinic in March 2021.
WHY:
NBC News - The fund faced backlash due to concerns over taxpayer money being used to compensate Trump’s political allies, particularly those involved in the January 6 insurrection.
Alternet - The judge noted that the fund's goals could still be pursued through the Treasury Department’s Judgment Fund.
HOW:
Fox News - Brinkema mentioned the possibility of requiring a "neutral" person to oversee a fund, indicating concerns about the DOJ's involvement being perceived as coerced.
Alternet - The judge indicated that the DOJ's agreement with Trump violates laws preventing presidential control over IRS audits.
NBC News - The plaintiffs argue that the government cannot divert taxpayer money to benefit Trump’s allies unlawfully.
(UPDATED September 19, 2026 02:06 UTC)
Judge Leonie Brinkema has stated that the issues surrounding the fund are "still alive and kicking," suggesting that its goals could still be pursued through the Treasury Department’s Judgment Fund. She also pointed out that some defendants convicted of FACE Act crimes have already received significant payouts from this fund, while expressing skepticism about the DOJ's claims that the fund is dead, noting, "They contradict themselves all the time." Brinkema even mentioned the possibility of appointing a "neutral" overseer for the fund, reflecting concerns about the perception of coercion in the DOJ's involvement.
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(UPDATED September 18, 2026 20:01 UTC)
U.S. District Court Judge Leonie Brinkema has decided to allow lawsuits to proceed against President Trump's "Anti-Weaponization Fund," which is reportedly worth $1.8 billion. The fund, created to address Trump's lawsuit against the IRS over the leak of his tax returns, has faced significant bipartisan backlash, with the Department of Justice stating that it is effectively terminated. The plaintiffs argue that taxpayer money cannot be unlawfully diverted to benefit Trump's political allies, particularly those involved in the January 6 insurrection.