Judge Blocks Justice Department Anti-Weaponization Fund

A federal district judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking the Justice Department from proceeding with its Anti-Weaponization Fund. The department announced it will stop work on the program while it disagrees with the decision. A hearing is scheduled for June 12 to determine whether the pause should remain in place.

The temporary order prevents any money from being disbursed while legal challenges continue. The department created the fund in May to review claims from people who said they suffered from weaponization of government processes. The program was to be run by a five-member commission with authority to issue apologies and award money.

776 billion tied to the settlement of a separate lawsuit involving tax-return disclosures. The department said the fund was open to applicants from any political background who believed they were targeted or persecuted. Enrique Tarrio wrote on X that the department never said it was giving up the fund.

"Let’s be crystal clear: the DOJ never said it was giving up the fund. They simply stated they will abide by the judge’s order for now," Tarrio stated in June 2026. He also told PBS he believes the president will find another way to provide compensation even if the fund is blocked by courts or Congress.

Mike Lindell, CEO of MyPillow, said he plans to seek compensation from the fund, claiming his company lost $400 million due to government actions. Michael Cohen, a former Trump attorney, said he is preparing an application and described his case as a clear example of politically motivated prosecution.

Former Vice President Mike Pence called the fund a bad idea and urged the administration to drop it.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he is not a big fan of the proposal and wants a full review. Enrique Tarrio is the former leader of the Proud Boys group.