A federal judge in Virginia has extended a court-ordered block on the Trump administration’s proposed $1.8 billion settlement fund. The fund was intended to compensate individuals who claim to be victims of a weaponized government. U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema ruled that the fund will remain blocked until further notice from the court.
Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche previously informed Congress that the government is scrapping plans for the fund in the face of fierce bipartisan backlash from lawmakers and several legal challenges. Although government attorneys have argued that lawsuits challenging the fund are now moot, plaintiffs' attorneys are not satisfied by assurances that the program will not move forward.
Judge Brinkema expressed skepticism regarding the administration's claims and cited frustration that the Justice Department has not stated under oath if the fund is truly dead. As a result, the judge has given Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent one week to submit a sworn declaration confirming that the fund is not going forward.