A federal judge in Virginia has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from transferring any money into a secretive and loosely controlled $1.8 billion fund, while a legal challenge proceeds. The order from U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema on Friday bars the government from 'taking other further action' in the creation or operation of the fund, pending further legal arguments. The ruling is intended 'to ensure no funds are irreversibly disbursed from the Anti-Weaponization Fund,' Brinkema wrote.
Details of the Fund
The government has stated that anyone who claims to be a victim of government weaponization can submit a claim to the fund. It will be controlled by four commissioners appointed by the U.S. attorney general and a fifth appointed in consultation with congressional leadership. There are no restrictions on who can apply for money from the fund, and even Republicans have expressed outrage that January 6 rioters who assaulted police officers could receive a payout. Additionally, the fund does not have to disclose how much it paid to whom or the reasons for doing so, prompting criticism that it is essentially a slush fund.
Legal Challenge and Ruling
The ruling came in a lawsuit filed by the watchdog group Democracy Forward, which seeks to permanently block the fund. The temporary order is meant to preserve the status quo and was necessary after the government declined to provide assurances that no funds would be transferred or paid before June 19 to allow for adequate briefing in the case.
Other Key Stories from May 29
Trump Claims Iran Peace Deal Imminent
Donald Trump claimed he could approve an Iran peace deal on Friday that includes major concessions from Tehran, such as opening the Strait of Hormuz and eliminating Iran's nuclear program. However, top Iranian officials signaled that a final agreement had not been reached.
Judge Orders Removal of Trump's Name from Kennedy Center
A federal judge ordered the removal of Donald Trump's name from the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, ruling that the venue cannot be renamed without an act of Congress. The judge directed the Trump administration to take down all signage bearing Trump's name within 14 days.
Trump Order Targets Childhood Vaccines
An executive order signed by Donald Trump instructs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to cut the number of recommended childhood vaccines almost in half, potentially having a huge impact on children's health.
Pam Bondi Defends Epstein Files Handling
Former Attorney General Pam Bondi defended the Department of Justice's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, telling lawmakers she delegated oversight to her former deputy, Todd Blanche.
Utah Voter Roll Audit Released
Utah released a year-long audit of its voter rolls, finding that the vast majority of voters are verifiably U.S. citizens, amid an escalating legal battle with the Trump administration over access to voter registration data.
Deportation Protections Extended for Lebanese
The Trump administration extended protections for about 11,000 Lebanese people, allowing them to stay and work in the U.S. for another six months.
Other Developments
- Louisiana Republicans approved a new congressional map that eliminates a majority-Black district at the center of a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
- The U.S. government deported more than 21,000 people to countries deemed too dangerous to visit, according to a Marshall Project analysis.
- An ICE agent wanted for shooting a Venezuelan man in Minnesota was arrested in Texas.
- New Jersey officials announced state police will take over policing from federal immigration officers outside the Delaney Hall facility.
- A senior intelligence operative accused of stealing gold bars worth over $40 million remained in custody in Virginia.
