A federal judge has halted the $1.8 billion compensation fund proposed by the Trump administration. This fund aimed at reimbursing individuals who claim unfair prosecution by the government, including January 6, 2021 Capitol riot participants.
Judge Leonie M. Brinkema’s ruling, made in the Federal District Court in Virginia, represents the most significant effort to ensure the administration’s assurance that the plan has been abandoned. Although Todd Blanche, the acting attorney general, informed Congress that the fund would not proceed, President Trump expressed continued support for it, saying he believes in compensating those unjustly prosecuted.
Judge Brinkema highlighted Trump’s statements during the hearing, suggesting the possibility of the fund’s re-emergence despite assertions that it was shelved. She stated, “We just don’t have the absolute certainty that this fund won’t rear its head in another form.”
The judge offered the administration a chance to lift her order. She requested a formal declaration, signed by Todd Blanche and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, affirming the fund is permanently abandoned. This declaration, filed under penalty of perjury, must be submitted within a week.
Judge Brinkema’s decision extends the temporary halt on the fund implemented at the end of May. Her ruling comes two days after Judge Richard J. Leon declined to issue a separate order to pause the fund.