WASHINGTON D.C. – A controversial "Anti-Weaponization Fund" established by the Justice Department to compensate former President Donald Trump for alleged targeting has been canceled, according to a court filing Friday.

A Department of Justice attorney stated in the filing that the fund "has not been set up and is now not going forward." This declaration was made in response to one of the lawsuits challenging the fund's existence, with the DOJ arguing the legal challenge is now moot.

The $1.776 billion fund, announced last month, was created to address claims made by those who alleged they were wrongly targeted during the Biden administration. The fund's establishment was part of an agreement for President Trump to drop a series of lawsuits against the government, including a $10 billion suit against the IRS and two civil claims totaling $230 million. These claims related to the Russia collusion investigation and the 2022 search of his Mar-a-Lago estate.

The abrupt cancellation follows a week of significant controversy and bipartisan criticism. Accusations of self-dealing arose immediately upon the fund's announcement, with critics questioning the potential use of taxpayer money to settle claims stemming from a former president's legal battles. The fund also drew fire over concerns it could be used to compensate individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.

The Justice Department's filing aims to dismiss the ongoing legal challenges by asserting that the fund is no longer operational. This move seeks to sidestep further judicial review of the fund's controversial terms and its potential implications for government accountability and the use of public funds.

Details surrounding the fund's creation and the subsequent legal agreements remain a subject of scrutiny. The initial announcement linked the fund directly to President Trump's decision to withdraw his significant legal actions, suggesting a quid pro quo arrangement that raised ethical questions among lawmakers and watchdog groups.

While the "Anti-Weaponization Fund" is now defunct, the underlying legal claims made by former President Trump and others may continue through separate avenues. The Justice Department has not provided further comment on the implications of the fund's cancellation for these outstanding legal matters.

Further analysis will likely focus on the process that led to the fund's creation and its rapid dissolution, as well as any potential repercussions for the DOJ's practices regarding settlement agreements and the management of public finances.