Judge Leonie M. Brinkema has blocked the Trump administration from launching a $1.8 billion fund intended to compensate people the president deems victims of government weaponization. This temporary injunction stops all money transfers and claim processing until a hearing on June 12. The ruling halts the first major effort to distribute these funds to political allies.

This fund emerged from a settlement regarding the leak of Trump's tax records, where the Justice Department set aside $1.776 billion via the Judgment Fund. While the administration claims the process is neutral, critics argue it is a political rewards program. Trump's family also gained immunity from tax audits, potentially saving them $100 million.

Plaintiffs including the City of New Haven and a former federal prosecutor argue the fund excludes those persecuted by Republicans. They contend the administration lacks congressional authority to spend public money this way. Other lawsuits challenging the legality of the fund have already been filed in California and the District of Columbia.

Judge Brinkema issued the order to prevent the irreversible disbursement of funds before the court can determine if the program is legal. This legal battle now centers on whether the executive branch can use the Judgment Fund for partisan compensation.