Judge extends order blocking Trump's 'anti-weaponization' fund, seeks guarantees

A federal judge has indefinitely extended an order blocking the Trump administration's proposed $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund, citing insufficient assurances that the controversial program would be permanently halted. Judge Leonie Brinkema stated that despite Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's verbal commitments to Congress, she requires a sworn declaration from key officials within a week, under penalty of perjury, confirming the fund's complete cancellation. This fund, intended to compensate individuals claiming government targeting, drew bipartisan criticism as a potential "slush fund" for political allies, while President Trump has continued to express support for the concept.

Separately, a judge has denied a last-minute request to keep former President Trump's name on the Kennedy Center, affirming an earlier ruling that its placement was illegal. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper previously ordered the removal of Trump's name from the performing arts venue and all official materials by June 12, 2026, stating that only Congress has the authority to rename the institution. The Kennedy Center's board of trustees had sought a stay of this order, but their appeal was rejected, thereby upholding the directive for removal.