Debate erupts over a $1.8B DOJ 'anti-weaponisation' fund tied to Trump lawsuit

The Justice Department has created an approximately $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponisation fund' from a judgement fund to compensate people who allege unfair or weaponised government action, as part of a settlement related to Trump’s suit over a leak of his tax records. A five‑member panel will oversee claims through 2028, but critics—mostly Democrats and legal experts—call it a potential 'slush fund' that could benefit Trump allies or January 6 defendants without broad congressional oversight, while supporters argue it follows a precedent from a prior Obama-era settlement and requires no new congressional authorization.