Trump appeals IRS lawsuit ruling blocking ‘anti-weaponization’ fund

Published August 1, 2026 9:51am ET | Updated August 1, 2026 12:49pm ET



President Donald Trump on Friday filed to appeal a ruling that questioned the $10 billion lawsuit he brought against the IRS, after the government sought to use the lawsuit’s settlement to create an “anti-weaponization” fund to recompense perceived targets of political weaponization.

In early July, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams, who was appointed by former President Barack Obama, said the $10 billion lawsuit was for an “improper purpose.”  She claimed Trump sued the IRS over his leaked tax records to “manipulate the judicial process” rather than to “vindicate rights,” and cast doubt on how the IRS settled the lawsuit by creating a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund. The fund is administered by the Justice Department to reimburse those the Trump administration believes were unfairly targeted by the Biden administration for political purposes. 

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.