Blocking Trump’s Fund, Judge Presses for Guarantee It Won’t Move Forward
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- A federal judge, Leonie M. Brinkema, has barred the Trump administration from setting up a $1.8 billion fund intended to compensate individuals claiming unfair prosecution by the government, citing mixed messages from President Trump about the fund’s status.
- The judge expressed concern that despite assurances from acting Attorney General Todd Blanche that the fund would not proceed, President Trump’s favorable remarks about the fund left open the possibility of its revival.
- Brinkema extended a temporary pause on the fund and demanded a sworn declaration from the Justice Department, signed by Blanche and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, confirming the fund is permanently discontinued.
- The ruling follows a prior pause imposed by Brinkema and contrasts with a recent decision by another federal judge, Richard J. Leon, who declined to halt the fund.