In this The Blaze article, staff writers report that the Trump administration defied a Clinton-appointed judge’s ultimatum demanding sworn declarations on the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund, calling it a serious violation of separation of powers.
- The DOJ rejected U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema’s demand for declarations under penalty of perjury from AG Todd Blanche and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
- The fund was part of a settlement where Trump dropped a lawsuit against the IRS in exchange for compensation to victims of government weaponization.
- Blanche testified to Congress that the fund is dead, and the DOJ has filed statements in court confirming it is not moving forward.
- The judge cited Trump’s past support and Blanche’s reluctance for a written guarantee as reason to proceed with a related lawsuit.
- The DOJ argued judges cannot insert themselves into the department’s routine settlement authority.
- Democrats and some Republicans have criticized the fund as a potential slush fund for Trump allies.
- The administration maintains all necessary assurances have been given, rendering the judge’s order unnecessary.
- The standoff highlights tensions between the executive branch and judicial overreach in settlement matters.
Read the full story:
https://www.theblaze.com/news/doj-anti-weaponization-fund-lawsuit
