Judge Pauses Action on Trump’s $1.8 Billion Fund Amid Challenges

Todd Blanche has moved quickly as acting U.S. attorney general ‌to please the man whose face now adorns the exterior of the Justice Department's Washington headquarters: President Donald Trump.

The Department of Justice under Blanche, who took over in early April ​after Trump fired his predecessor, Pam Bondi, secured criminal charges against former FBI Director James Comey, ramped up its investigation into former CIA Director John Brennan and removed press releases ‌about prosecutions of rioters who attacked the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.

A federal judge on Friday temporarily halted President Donald Trump’s $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” siding with critics and GOP skeptics who argue the controversial program lacks legal footing and accountability.

Friday’s order from Judge Leonie M. Brinkema blocks the administration from “taking any further action pursuant to the creation or operation of the Anti-Weaponization Fund” while a legal challenge plays out, including transferring money to it, considering any claims, and mailing any checks.