What Is Trump's $1.8 Billion 'Anti-Weaponization' Fund, And Why Is It Under Fire In US?

Key points

• What Is Trump's $1.8 Billion 'Anti-Weaponization' Fund, And Why Is It Under Fire In US?
• Published By, Last Updated: May 20, 2026, 15:09 IST The fund emerged from a settlement tied to Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS over leaked tax returns and is meant to compensate alleged victims of government 'weaponization'.
• Rapid Read US President Donald Trump.
• (Reuters Image) US President Donald Trump and his administration are facing intense criticism after the Justice Department announced a massive $1.776 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund" that could compensate individuals who claim they were unfairly investigated or prosecuted by the federal government in recent years.
• The controversy has triggered a fierce political and legal debate in Washington because of how the fund came into existence, who could potentially benefit from it, and the unusual role Trump himself played in the process.