💰 The Weekend: Trump’s “Anti-Weaponization Fund”

🚫 Federal judge temporarily blocks Trump's anti-weaponization fund. US District Judge Leonie Brinkema halted the Justice Department from operating the $1.776 billion fund, preventing any money transfers, claim reviews, or payouts. The ruling came after a lawsuit filed by a former Jan. 6 prosecutor who says he was fired in retaliation, along with other plaintiffs, including abortion providers and sanctuary cities. A hearing is set for June 12.

💸 Gavin Newsom pledges 100 percent tax on fund recipients. California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced plans to fully tax any payouts California residents receive from the Anti-Weaponization Fund, calling it a "slush fund." His move mirrors similar efforts in New York, New Jersey, Illinois, and Connecticut, where Democratic lawmakers are introducing bills to claw back the payments through 100 percent state taxes.

⚖️ Thirty-five former federal judges called the settlement fraudulent. A bipartisan group of retired jurists asked a Miami court to reopen Trump's lawsuit against the IRS, arguing the case was "collusive" and designed to deceive the court. The former judges, including appointees from both parties, say the settlement creating the fund lacks legal justification and should be voided. The settlement also shields Trump and his family from future government investigations into civil wrongdoing.

🗣️ Some GOP senators voiced opposition to the fund. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) told reporters he doesn't see a need for the $1.8B fund, while Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) called the idea of compensating people who assaulted Capitol Police officers "absurd." Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) also criticized the fund’s creation when Americans are struggling with basic expenses. The senators expressed interest in placing conditions on who can receive payments through the reconciliation package.