Judge blocks Trump’s $1.8 billion settlement fund (opens in new tab)

U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema in the Eastern District of Virginia temporarily barred President Trump’s administration from creating or operating the $1.776 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund, including by transferring money into it, reviewing claims or disbursing payments. Brinkema set a June 12 hearing on whether to extend the freeze and said the order would preserve the status quo while legal challenges proceed. The Justice Department announced the fund on May 18 as part of a settlement ...