DOJ Stands Firm Against Judicial Overreach on Anti-Weaponization Fund
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The Justice Department is refusing to bow to judicial demands for unnecessary sworn declarations about its $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund, defending constitutional separation of powers. The fund, designed to compensate victims of Biden-era prosecutorial abuse, remains blocked as critics seek to deny justice to those wronged by partisan attacks.
A federal judge in Virginia has extended a preliminary injunction that blocks the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund the Justice Department announced in May, which was part of a settlement of former President Donald Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS. The fund was intended to compensate individuals targeted by the Biden administration’s politically motivated prosecutions—a much-needed step to address the left’s abuse of government power.
Judge Leonie Brinkema ordered Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to submit written, sworn declarations that the fund would not proceed before she would consider dismissing the lawsuit seeking a permanent block. The Justice Department rightfully pushed back, arguing in a Friday filing that such a declaration is unnecessary and would raise 'serious separation of powers concerns.'
'The Acting Attorney General has testified before Congress that the Fund is 'not going forward, period'... Undersigned counsel have twice signed briefs reaffirming that 'the Fund is not going forward,' and counsel for Defendants has twice said substantially the same thing in open court,' DOJ attorney Andrew Block wrote.
Block emphasized that these statements were made 'against the backdrop of serious penalties for falsity.' Blanche had already testified to a House panel that the fund was not moving forward, but the judge, seemingly influenced by partisan pressure, demanded more. President Trump later expressed his support for the fund—a move that would help those unfairly persecuted by the left’s weaponization of the justice system.
The fund’s creation was announced as part of a settlement of Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit after an IRS contractor leaked his tax records, a clear violation of privacy. Critics, desperate to protect their political allies, have claimed the money could go to Trump supporters, including those convicted in connection with the January 6, 2021 Capitol protest. The DOJ’s stance defends constitutional principles and resists attempts to undermine justice for victims of government overreach.