A judge refused to block the Trump administration’s anti-weaponization fund, reasoning that there was no need to, but said he would take action if the effort was revived.
U.S. District Judge Richard Leon, a George W. Bush appointee, shot down a watchdog’s request on the grounds that the Trump administration was no longer pursuing the measure. However, he left the door open to further action if that changed, warning the administration with a memorable metaphor.
“I give the Justice Department this warning: Don’t play possum with me,” Leon said.
The Trump administration briefly attempted to set up a $1.776 billion fund to assist those claiming political persecution, but the effort was called off by acting Attorney General Todd Blanche after a political firestorm. President Donald Trump has been more ambiguous, hinting at its revival in a recent interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
“Me, personally, I think the weaponization fund is a great idea, and so do many other Republicans,” Trump said. “You have to get it approved. … If they don’t get it approved, I’d be disappointed.”
Leon wasn’t convinced by the comments, arguing that Trump “might be doing that… for political benefit to himself.”
The judge wasn’t entirely lenient with DOJ attorney Andrew Block, however, asking him why Blanche didn’t rescind the May 18 order if the fund truly was dead.
TRUMP SAYS HE DOESN’T KNOW WHETHER $1.776 BILLION ANTI-WEAPONIZATION FUND IS DEAD OR PAUSED
“I don’t know the reason for that,” Block answered, but added that Blanche’s remarks to Congress on the fund being dead were sufficient.
Some DOJ officials and Republican strategists are suggesting behind the scenes that the fund will still move forward, but in a different way, according to the Atlantic. One Justice Department source allegedly said the fund was dropped while the administration was trying to get Blanche confirmed.
The weaponization fund was also already temporarily blocked until Friday by a federal judge in a separate Virginia lawsuit.