The Justice Department is moving to abandon President Trump’s planned “anti-weaponization” fund, a nearly $1.8 billion effort that critics describe as a political measure aimed at compensating alleged victims of “weaponization.” Multiple outlets report that DOJ is stopping work on the fund and stating in court filings that the initiative will not be set up and is “not going forward.” The change comes amid both legal challenges and pressure from lawmakers, according to PBS and others. PBS reports acting Attorney General Blanche tells Congress that the department is scrapping the plans after Republican senators said they did not have the votes to advance a Homeland Security funding bill unless the White House scaled back or eliminated the fund.
A federal judge in Washington agrees that a legal fight over the fund is likely obsolete in light of DOJ assurances that the plan will not proceed, while also warning the DOJ about the broader legal posture. Despite the DOJ withdrawal, ABC reports that two separate cases continue to challenge the fund, even after the department’s vows. Overall, the reporting centers on DOJ’s decision to stop implementation and its written confirmation in ongoing court proceedings, alongside continuing litigation in at least some cases.
