Virginia court keeps challenge to DOJ’s $1.8B anti-weaponization fund alive

A federal judge in Virginia ruled that the lawsuit challenging the DOJ’s creation of a $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund will proceed, saying the suit isn’t moot because the DOJ won’t confirm in writing that the fund is dead. The fund was created during a Trump-IRS settlement and has faced criticism as a potential slush fund for allies and victims of “weaponization” and lawfare. DOJ argues written declarations are unnecessary, while the judge ordered a formal answer by July 17. Plaintiffs include a former federal prosecutor, a professor, and the city of New Haven.