By Maribel Velazquez
A federal judge temporarily suspended the progress of a controversial fund of more than $1.7 billion driven by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and backed by the Trump administration. The program, known as Anti-Militarization Fundhas been pointed out by critics and civil organizations as a possible mechanism to compensate people close to the Trump movement, including those involved in the assault on the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
The decision was issued by the federal judge Leonie Brinkemawho ordered a halt to any work related to the fund, including potential payments, while it considers whether to grant a long-term suspension.
According to the order, the lawsuit was filed by former officials, activists and nonprofit organizations who believe that the program lacks honest authorization and represents an improper use of public resources.
Plaintiffs question legality of the fund
The plaintiffs include Andrew Floyd, former federal prosecutor who participated in investigations into the attack on the Capitol, and Jonathan Caravello, a university professor arrested during a protest against immigration raids in California.
In the lawsuit, the protesters describe the fund as a “collusion agreement” between Trump and his administration. In addition, they maintain that Congress never formally approved the creation of the program or the criteria for distributing the money.
The DOJ defended the project, arguing that it seeks to help people who were allegedly victims of political persecution. The administration planned to have a five-member committee evaluate the applications and decide who could receive financial compensation.
Fear over possible payments to defendants of January 6
Conservative lawmakers and watchdog groups have expressed concern that People convicted or investigated for the assault on the Capitol can receive federal money.
Trump, for his part, has publicly defended many of those accused of January 6 and granted pardons to more than 1,500 people related to those events.
So far, the DOJ has not officially announced who would make up the committee responsible for authorizing the payments or what the exact requirements would be to access the fund.
Keep reading:
- Trump withdraws lawsuit against IRS for $10 billion
- Enrique Tarrio, former leader of the Proud Boys who stormed the Capitol, will seek millions from the fund promoted by Trump
