WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. District Judge Richard Leon rejected a request for a temporary restraining order to block the Anti-Weaponization Fund. Leon will consider a separate request for a preliminary injunction to permanently block payouts from the fund.
During a hearing, Leon told a government attorney, "Don't play possum with this court." The Trump administration argued that the lawsuit is moot because Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the government is scrapping plans for the fund. Leon stated he accepts Blanche's representation regarding the fund for now.
Blanche testified before Congress that the fund would not move forward. "We are not moving forward with the fund, period," Blanche said during a June 2 House hearing. However, during a May 19 congressional hearing, Blanche did not rule out that U.S. Capitol rioters could be eligible for fund payouts.
Leon asked Justice Department attorney Andrew Block why Blanche has not formally rescinded his May 18 order establishing the fund. Block stated that Blanche's congressional statements are sufficient to moot the watchdog's claims. Block also argued that the plaintiffs lack legal standing to bring the claims.
Plaintiffs' attorney Nikhel Sus stated that Trump contradicted Blanche's testimony. Trump expressed support for continuing with the fund during a June 3 interview. The administration created the fund to resolve a lawsuit by Trump against the Internal Revenue Service regarding tax return leaks. The Justice Department has not formed the five-member commission to decide on payout criteria, and no money has been paid out or claims accepted.