Critics Sue to Block Payouts from $1.8 Billion 'Anti-Weaponization' Fund
A coalition, including a former prosecutor and a law professor, has filed a lawsuit to prevent disbursements from a newly established $1.8 billion fund intended for individuals claiming political targeting.
A coalition comprising a former federal prosecutor and a law professor has initiated legal action to halt disbursements from a recently established $1.8 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund.' The fund was created as part of a settlement agreement following President Donald Trump's lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service over the leak of his tax returns.
The plaintiffs argue that the fund is unconstitutional and lacks proper legal authority. Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward, the organization representing the plaintiffs, stated, "There's literally no legal authority for the fund. You don't get to snap your fingers and it just appears. Congress hasn't authorized the fund. There's actually no legal authority to do this."
Among the plaintiffs is former Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Floyd, who was dismissed from his position in June 2025. Floyd expressed concern that the fund could financially reward individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol attack, stating, "Then, this administration pardoned them — removing the accountability that had been hard earned by victims, witnesses, law enforcement, and prosecutors and imposed by impartial jurors and judges. Now they are asking taxpayers to illegally reward them for their crimes."
The lawsuit also includes California State University Channel Islands professor Jonathan Caravello, who was acquitted of assault charges related to a protest against an immigration raid. Additional plaintiffs are the city of New Haven, the National Abortion Federation, and the watchdog group Common Cause.
The 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' is intended to compensate individuals who claim they were victims of politically motivated government actions. However, critics argue that the fund could potentially provide financial benefits to individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, during a congressional hearing, did not rule out the possibility that such individuals could be eligible for compensation, stating that anyone who believes they were politically targeted could apply.
The lawsuit seeks a court order to prevent the implementation of the fund and to block any disbursements from it.
