Trump ordered to address fraud claims in IRS case that led to ‘slush fund’ for allies

A federal judge has ordered President Donald Trump to respond to allegations that his agreement with the government to create a $1.8 billion fund, intended to resolve his lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service, constituted a "fraud" on the court. U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams issued the order on Friday, giving Trump's personal lawyers until June 12 to reply to a request from former federal judges. These former judges are seeking to reopen the proceedings to investigate the conduct of the president and the Justice Department. The case had been closed after Trump's lawyers informed the court they were withdrawing his claims against the IRS regarding a past leak of his tax information.

A US federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration's nearly $1.8 billion "anti-weaponisation fund." US District Judge Leonie Brinkema issued the order on Friday, preventing any further action to establish or operate the fund while she considers additional legal arguments. The fund originated from a settlement between Donald Trump and the IRS concerning the leak of his tax records. It was intended to compensate individuals who could demonstrate they were victims of "lawfare" or "weaponisation," terms used by Trump and his allies. The lawsuit challenging the fund, filed by a group led by a January 6 riots prosecutor, argued it would be partisan. A hearing is scheduled for June 12 to determine if the block will be extended.

A federal judge has temporarily halted the Trump administration's plan to establish a $1.8 billion compensation package. US District Judge Leonie Brinkema issued an order on Friday preventing any further action to create or operate the fund. This freeze applies to the transfer of money, consideration of claims, and disbursement of payments. The judge stated the pause is necessary to prevent irreversible disbursement of funds while she considers a longer-lasting injunction. Critics had previously described the package as a "slush fund" for political allies.

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from making payouts from a new $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund." U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema in Alexandria, Virginia, also halted the fund's creation while litigation challenges it. The fund was established to resolve President Trump's lawsuit against the IRS concerning the leak of his tax returns. The decision came after a lawsuit filed by the legal advocacy group Democracy Forward, which argues the fund lacks legal basis and accountability. The judge scheduled a June 12 hearing to consider extending the order. The fund has faced backlash, with concerns raised about eligibility criteria, even for individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol riot.