Friday, June 5, 2026

DOJ fund embroiled in lawsuits

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This is America

Stories of justice and action across America

Fri Jun 5 2026

The Trump administration's proposed $1.7 billion "anti-weaponization fund" is being engulfed in a legal blizzard as Congress becomes more worrisome about creating a money pot that could pay Jan. 6, 2021 rioters.

Welcome back, This is America readers, I'm Phillip M. Bailey, chief political correspondent with USA TODAY.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told lawmakers this week that the U.S. Justice Department won't move forward with the idea -- Democratic critics have called its "slush fund" for the president's allies -- but the White House may still defend it in court against several lawsuits.

Among them is a suit filed by Capitol Police officers and another by 35 former federal judges alleged President Trump improperly colluded with DOJ to create the fund.

Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche responds to U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean's (D-PA) question during his testimony before a House Appropriations Commerce.

Evelyn Hockstein, REUTERS

For more on the DOJ funds, check out USA TODAY's coverage:

Senate Republicans reject first effort to kill 'anti-weaponization' fund: Since Trump announced its creation, members of both parties have shown widespread unease about itWhat is Trump's 'anti-weaponization fund' and is it really history? Here's a look at what it is and why it's controversial

$70B for ICE or 7M new homes? Eyeing midterms, Democrats sharpen message against GOP

Google offering Texas $10M as it expands data centers

If you've noticed the rise of data centers fueling the international artificial intelligence arms race is becoming a divisive debate nationally.

Critics say they're wasteful for the environment and harmful to neighborhoods while supporters believe they're a technological investment needed for the future.

In response, Google is pledging $10 million for what's being called The Texas Water Impact Fund support community water sources, infrastructure, and access statewide. It's part of a larger $17 million national initiative that's taking place in seven other states: Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri and Nebraska.

But don't expect these larger payoffs and tax incentives being touted by state leaders to quiet a growing dissent about the real world costs for a growing digital footprint.

There are plenty of concerns swirling around such as water consumption, electronic waste and noise pollution. It's enough that some jurisdictions are rushing to pass moratoriums and other regulations to block data centers altogether.