DOJ Rejects Judge's Oath Demand on $1.776 Billion Fund as Injunction Keeps Program Frozen
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Jun 19
DOJ Rejects Judge's Oath Demand on $1.776 Billion Fund as Injunction Keeps Program Frozen
3 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Jun 19
Summary
Justice Department lawyers told a federal court Friday they will not submit sworn declarations from Todd Blanche, Scott Bessent and Stanley Woodward saying the anti-weaponization fund is dead.
The filing called Judge Leonie Brinkema's demand unnecessary and said forcing testimony from senior executive officials raises separation-of-powers concerns, pointing instead to Blanche's congressional statement that the fund is "not going forward, period."
Brinkema had sought the declarations under penalty of perjury after issuing a preliminary injunction barring any effort to create or operate the program, warning that the lawsuit would continue if the administration refused.
Plaintiffs led by Democracy Forward said the refusal leaves open the possibility the fund could return under another name and shows the administration still will not confirm compliance under oath.
The disputed program, tied to Trump's IRS lawsuit, envisioned a $1.776 billion process for claims of alleged government "weaponization" and has drawn multiple legal challenges and Republican criticism over possible Jan. 6 beneficiaries.