Politics

Federal judge questions if government will bypass termination of political compensation fund

U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema did not immediately rule on the Justice Department's request to dismiss a lawsuit over payouts to allies.

Updated Sep 18, 2026 · 23:19 UTC3 reports

The short version

U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema declined to immediately dismiss a lawsuit challenging a proposed fund intended to compensate political allies of Donald Trump.[PBS NewsHour · ABC News]
Justice Department attorneys argued the lawsuit is moot because Attorney General Todd Blanche formally terminated the fund in August.[PBS NewsHour]
Judge Brinkema expressed skepticism, noting that President Trump has continued to voice support for payouts and questioning whether the administration could use alternative vehicles like the federal Judgment Fund.[PBS NewsHour · The Washington Sun]
Plaintiffs' attorneys warned the court that the administration is likely to pursue similar payments through another mechanism if the blocking order is removed.[PBS NewsHour]

Attorney General Todd Blanche issued an order terminating the fund in August following negotiations with Republican senators.[PBS NewsHour · The Washington Sun]
Justice Department attorneys argued in court that the pending lawsuit against the fund is moot.[PBS NewsHour]
Judge Brinkema observed that Donald Trump has publicly continued to support paying allies despite claims from the DOJ that the plan is dead.[PBS NewsHour]
The judge questioned whether the federal Judgment Fund could be utilized as a functional equivalent to issue compensation.[The Washington Sun]

Whether the Trump administration will attempt to route compensation payments to allies through alternative legal mechanisms such as the federal Judgment Fund.[PBS NewsHour · The Washington Sun]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.