Trump ‘anti-weaponisation’ fund indefinitely blocked as judge wants guarantee it’s abandoned

A US judge has indefinitely blocked a $1.8 billion “anti-weaponisation” fund proposed by President Donald Trump, demanding a sworn statement from the administration to confirm its abandonment. This decision follows Attorney General Todd Blanche’s earlier assurance to lawmakers that the fund would not proceed. The fund was initially announced to resolve a lawsuit against the IRS over leaked tax returns and faced criticism for potentially benefiting individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot. Judge Leonie Brinkema’s ruling requires written confirmation from Blanche and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, as verbal assurances were deemed insufficient. The fund, intended to compensate victims of “lawfare” and “weaponisation,” raised concerns about accountability for those prosecuted for the Capitol attack. The request to halt the fund came from plaintiffs like Andrew Floyd, a former prosecutor, who argued it could undermine justice for the riot’s victims and law enforcement. QUESTION: How might the indefinite blocking of the “anti-weaponisation” fund impact public trust in government accountability and justice?