SUMMARY
President Trump's $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund established by the Department of Justice has hit a setback. The DOJ said Monday they will abide by a court ruling temporarily pausing payouts that could have gone to Jan. 6 defendants and other Trump supporters. This comes amid political pressure from Republicans who are upset about the fund. Liz Landers joins Geoff Bennett to discuss.
View the transcript of the story.
NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?
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Key terms
Department of Justice (DOJ) — the federal agency that oversees law enforcement and that is headed by the attorney general.
attorney general — the top law enforcement officer in the United States that heads the Department of Justice, which includes agencies such as the FBI as well as federal prosecutors.
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- How much money had the Trump administration put aside to pay supporters?
- Who are some of the people that pushed back against the fund?
- Why did a judge put a hold on the fund?
- What was the reason that the Department of Justice "settled" with President Trump to establish the fund?
- Where is language blocking the fund potentially being put unto legislation?
FOCUS QUESTIONS
- Why do you think President Trump attempted to set up this fund of nearly $2 billion to pay those convicted for crimes on Jan. 6 at the U.S. Capitol and others? Why do you think this fund was important to him?
- Why do you think the fund was shut down or at least put on hold?
Media literacy: Who are some of the people interviewed for this segment? Why do you think they were chosen to be interviewed?
WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
Read the following article about the judge's order to freeze President Trump's settlement fund, then discuss —
- Why is President Trump's fund "unprecedented" (never been seen or done before), according to the experts in the story?
- Why do you think some experts are concerned about the fund?
- Do you think U.S. presidents should have the power to settle personal lawsuits with the Department of Justice that they control? Why or why not?
"Why legal experts say Trump's new 'anti-weaponization' fund is unprecedented"
A new banner depicting U.S. President Donald Trump is put up on the Department of Justice building in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 20, 2026. REUTERS/Ken Cedeno
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