Politics

A federal judge in Virginia on Friday extended her block on the Trump administration’s nearly $1.8 billion compensation fund for individuals who believe they were victims of an alleged “weaponized” federal government.

U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema’s ruling extends the band-aid block she initially ordered on May 29 to prevent the Department of Justice from launching the taxpayer-funded $1.8 billion payout system, which critics refer to as a “slush fund.”

Brinkema requested the Department of Justice submit a sworn declaration by next week indicating it is not moving forward with the fund — and signed by both the acting attorney general and the Treasury secretary. She indicated she would likely dismiss the case as moot if the administration submits the rescission in writing. If the DOJ does not provide the declaration, the legal challenge will likely continue.