From Fox News · Jake Gibson · · 1m 20s
Judge says Trump administration anti-weaponization case 'alive and kicking'
Judge blocks Trump's $1.776B anti-weaponization fund despite DOJ claims.
In brief
Judge blocks Trump's $1.776B anti-weaponization fund despite DOJ claims. U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema says issues in Trump administration's anti-weaponization fund case remain unresolved despite DOJ's claims the fund is dead. Originally reported by Fox News.
Judge questions anti-weaponization fund status
U.S. District Court Judge Leonie Brinkema said the issues in Trump administration's $1.776 billion anti-weaponization fund case remain 'alive and kicking' despite DOJ claims the fund is dead.
“The issues that underlie this case are still alive and kicking in my view”
DOJ argues fund terminated in August
DOJ lawyers asked Judge Brinkema to dismiss the case, claiming Attorney General Todd Blanche formally terminated the fund in August 2024 under oath.
“Attorney General Todd Blanche issued a formal recission order in August”
Paul Vaughn's case details
Pro-life activist Paul Vaughn, convicted in January 2024 for blocking a Tennessee abortion clinic in March 2021, received a taxpayer-funded payout of seven figures from the DOJ's Judgment Fund.
“Paul Vaughn was convicted in January 2024 for his role in blockading an abortion clinic in Mount Juliet, Tennessee”
Judge identifies fund risks
Brinkema warned that taxpayer money being used to promote political views risks the fund's legitimacy, citing pro-life activists and Jan. 6 insurrection attempts.
“The real concern that lurks ... is the concept of taxpayer money being used to promote particular political views”
Judge proposes oversight solution
Brinkema suggested requiring a neutral third party to oversee a fund, not someone from the DOJ, to ensure impartiality in taxpayer-funded settlements.
“I think there are remedies. A proper, unbiased look ... not someone from the DOJ”
Case remains unresolved
Brinkema will issue a new discovery order soon, confirming the case is far from over despite DOJ's claims the fund is dead.
“I intend to craft a new discovery order in the coming days”
At a glance
U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema says issues in Trump administration's anti-weaponization fund case remain unresolved despite DOJ's claims the fund is dead.
