Judge declines to halt "anti-weaponization fund" since Blanche says it's dead, but warns DOJ not to "play possum"
A federal judge on Wednesday denied a request to block the Trump administration's "anti-weaponization fund," accepting the government's argument that Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche had already vowed not to move forward with the controversial $1.776 billion fund.
TL;DR
- A federal judge denied a request to block the Trump administration's "anti-weaponization fund."
- The government argued the fund is dead, citing Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's statements.
- Judge Richard Leon warned the Justice Department not to "play possum" with the court.
- The watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington called the fund "brazenly illegal."
- The judge stated he is "not persuaded a live controversy remains" regarding the fund.
- The judge will separately decide on the group's request for a preliminary injunction.
- The fund was unveiled to settle a suit President Trump filed against the IRS over leaked tax returns.