DOJ Confirms Termination of $1.8 Billion 'Anti-Weaponization' Fund

The U.S. Department of Justice has formally notified a federal court that the Trump administration’s proposed $1.776 billion “anti-weaponization” fund will not proceed. In a recent filing, government attorneys confirmed that the fund was never operational, no funds were disbursed, and no commission members were appointed. Consequently, the DOJ is urging the court to dismiss a pending lawsuit challenging the fund’s legality, arguing that the case is now moot.

The fund, which originated from a settlement between the administration and the IRS, was intended to compensate individuals who claimed they were unfairly targeted by federal agencies. However, the proposal faced significant bipartisan backlash. Critics, including a coalition of lawmakers led by Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.), expressed grave concerns that the money could be used to provide financial relief to individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, including those convicted of violent acts against law enforcement.

While the DOJ dismissed these concerns as “speculative” and “hyperbolic,” the administration ultimately opted to abandon the project following intense congressional scrutiny. The government’s current legal strategy focuses on protecting institutional interests, arguing that the plaintiffs lacked standing to sue and that the court should avoid setting precedents regarding judicial review of non-existent programs. A hearing remains scheduled for June 12, though the DOJ maintains that the dissolution of the fund renders the legal challenge unnecessary.