DOJ sworn declaration 'anti-weaponization' fund

Key Points:

• The Department of Justice (DOJ) declined a federal judge's request to provide sworn written declarations that it will not proceed with its $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization fund," citing separation of powers concerns and deeming the request unnecessary.
• Judge Leonie Brinkema extended her block on the fund, which was intended to compensate alleged victims of prosecutorial overreach during the Biden administration, and demanded sworn statements from Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent before dismissing a lawsuit to permanently block the fund.
• DOJ attorney Andrew Block argued that multiple verbal and written assurances, including Blanche's testimony to Congress and court statements, already confirmed the fund was not moving forward, emphasizing the serious penalties for falsity in those statements.
• The fund was initially announced as part of a settlement of former President Donald Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS for leaking his tax records, but faced bipartisan criticism over concerns it could benefit Trump's allies, including individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot.
• Judge Brinkema's skepticism was heightened after Trump expressed a desire to proceed with the fund following Blanche's testimony, prompting her to seek more concrete, sworn assurances from DOJ officials.