Judge Keeps $1.8 Billion Fund Lawsuit Alive

U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema heard arguments Sept. 18, 2026, in Alexandria in Floyd v. Department of Justice over a $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund from a settlement of President Donald Trump's $10 billion IRS leak suit. Brinkema, who blocked the fund in June, said the issues are still "alive and kicking" after Attorney General Todd Blanche rescinded the fund order in August. DOJ attorney Andrew Block argued the case is moot, no remedy remains, and the fund was a policy disagreement resolved politically. Brinkema asked whether a functional equivalent exists now. Plaintiffs' attorney Pooja Boisture said they will move forward the day any injunction lifts and sought a sworn bar on revival. Brinkema had floated a perjury-backed declaration the fund would not proceed in any manner or under any name, and neutral oversight of related claims. Plaintiffs wrote Blanche's rescission does not bar a future fund under any name or stop settlement enforcement, and called an immunity statement no more weight than a press release. Brinkema asked if any IRS auditor was told to halt Trump return work; plaintiffs cited confidentiality rules and said they were unaware. She did not rule from the bench. A bad-faith finding on Trump's IRS suit by Florida Judge Kathleen Williams is under appeal.