Trump critics sue to halt $1.8 B anti‑weaponization fund payouts

A coalition of President Donald Trump’s opponents filed a federal lawsuit in Alexandria, Virginia, seeking to stop the Treasury and Justice departments from disbursing any money from the $1.776 billion “Anti‑Weaponization Fund.” The fund was created to resolve Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service over the leak of his tax returns.

Plaintiffs include former Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Floyd, who prosecuted Jan. 6 Capitol riot cases before being dismissed, California State University Channel Islands professor Jonathan Caravello, the watchdog group Common Cause, the city of New Haven, Connecticut, and the National Abortion Federation. They argue the fund lacks legal authority and could reward individuals who attacked police or abortion clinics. A separate suit was filed by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche indicated that rioters who assaulted police on Jan. 6 might be eligible for payouts, heightening concerns. The lawsuit highlights ongoing backlash against the Trump administration’s use of the settlement to compensate alleged victims of a “weaponized” government.