Trump’s $1.8 Billion Fund Paused—But He Still Likely Has Legal Immunity

BreakingBusinessTrump’s $1.8 Billion Fund Paused—But He Still Likely Has Legal ImmunityByAlison Durkee,Forbes Staff. Alison is a senior news reporter covering US politics and legal news.Follow AuthorJun 02, 2026, 11:19am EDTToplineThe Trump administration said Monday it would halt its new $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund in response to a recent court ruling—but it’s likely the other part of President Donald Trump’s settlement with the IRS, which gives him broad legal immunity, is still in play.President Donald Trump reacts during a cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington, DC, on May 27.AFP via Getty ImagesKey FactsThe Justice Department said Monday it was complying with a recent court ruling that temporarily halts Trump’s “anti-weaponization” fund from moving forward, amid reports that the Trump administration was pausing the fund in response to criticism from GOP lawmakers.The $1.776 billion fund for those who feel they’ve been victimized by the DOJ is one of two provisions in Trump’s recent settlement with the IRS, after he sued the agency for allegedly failing in its duty to keep his tax returns confidential.The other part of the settlement broadly gave Trump, his eldest sons and the Trump Organization—also plaintiffs in the lawsuit—widespread immunity from being sued or prosecuted by the government for acts that had occurred as of the settlement date.That includes shielding the plaintiffs from having existing tax returns audited by the IRS, but also more broadly says the U.S. is “forever barred” from taking action regarding “any matters currently pending or that could be pending” before other government agencies.That part of the settlement was not at issue in the lawsuit that paused the $1.8 billion fund, so there is nothing legally stopping the Trump administration from moving forward with Trump’s legal immunity right now, and the DOJ did not say anything on Monday about that provision.The DOJ has not yet responded to a request for comment on whe...