Washington, D.C. — June 2026 The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced that it will comply with a federal court order temporarily suspending the establishment of a proposed $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Compensation Fund, despite expressing strong disagreement with the ruling.
The fund, introduced by the Trump administration as part of a settlement agreement concerning the unauthorized disclosure of former President Donald Trump’s tax returns, was designed to provide compensation to individuals who claim they were unfairly targeted, investigated, or subjected to political persecution by previous federal administrations.
In a statement released on Monday, the DOJ emphasized that the initiative was intended to address what it described as significant instances of government overreach and political targeting. According to the department, eligibility for compensation was intended to be nonpartisan and open to all qualified individuals, regardless of political affiliation.
Last week, U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema issued a temporary injunction preventing the DOJ from creating, administering, or distributing funds through the program until a preliminary hearing scheduled for June 12. The ruling followed a lawsuit filed in Virginia by two plaintiffs who alleged that the fund’s structure could unfairly exclude individuals who believe they were targeted by the current administration.
The court’s order prohibits the Justice Department from taking any operational steps related to the fund, including processing applications or disbursing compensation, pending further judicial review.
While reaffirming its confidence in the legal foundation of the program, the DOJ stated that it will fully respect the court’s directive and await the outcome of the upcoming hearing.
The proposed fund has generated bipartisan criticism since its announcement. Several Republican and Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns regarding its purpose, administration, and potential political implications.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune reiterated his opposition on Monday, urging the administration to voluntarily withdraw the proposal. He indicated that congressional support for broader funding legislation related to immigration enforcement could be affected if the fund remains under consideration.
Similarly, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer announced plans to pursue legislation aimed at permanently prohibiting the creation of such a fund, arguing that it could establish a problematic precedent for future administrations.
Former Vice President Mike Pence also criticized the initiative over the weekend, describing it as a misguided proposal and calling for its termination.
The future of the Anti-Weaponization Compensation Fund now rests on the outcome of the June 12 court hearing, where the Justice Department is expected to defend the legality and purpose of the program.
