Two Officers Sue Trump to Block $1.8 Billion Lawfare Fund
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: May 20 2026
0mins
Source: CNBC
- Lawsuit Context: Two police officers, Harry Dunn and Daniel Hodges, who defended the Capitol during the January 6, 2021, riots, have filed a lawsuit against President Trump to block the newly established $1.8 billion 'lawfare fund' by the DOJ, aimed at compensating Trump allies claiming prosecutorial overreach.
- Legality of the Fund: The lawsuit alleges that the fund represents 'the most brazen act of presidential corruption this century,' claiming it lacks legal authorization and violates the Constitution and federal law, which could significantly impact Trump's legal standing and that of his allies.
- Political Repercussions: Congressional Democrats have labeled the fund a 'corrupt slush fund,' raising questions about its legality, which may further erode public trust in Trump and his policies, potentially affecting his future political endeavors.
- DOJ Statement: The DOJ stated that the fund will provide a systematic process for claims from individuals affected by 'weaponization' and 'lawfare,' although this statement has not quelled the controversy surrounding the fund's legality, sparking broader political and legal discussions.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy DJT?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on DJT
About DJT
Trump Media & Technology Group Corp. (TMTG) is a social media and technology-focused company. The Company's product, Truth Social, is a social media platform where any user can create content, follow other users and engage in an open global conversation. The Company does not restrict whom a user can follow. Additionally, users can be followed by other users without requiring a reciprocal relationship, enhancing the ability of its users to reach a broad audience. Its products and services include Truth Social and Truth+. TMTG operates a TV streaming platform, Truth+, across the entire Truth Social platform-iOS, Android, and the Web. The streaming service relies on TMTG's custom-built content delivery network (CDN), which operates through a data center. TMTG's streaming technology is powered through specially designed infrastructure with its own servers, routers, and software stack. The Company is also focused on launching Truth.Fi, a financial service and FinTech brand.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
DOJ Requests Judge Ross to Recuse from Election Case
- Recusal Request: The DOJ has requested Judge Eleanor Ross of Georgia to recuse herself from a case involving election records due to her attendance at a victory party, which raises concerns about potential bias affecting the case's fairness.
- Disciplinary Context: The DOJ indicated that Ross may be the judge who faced disciplinary action for attending a celebration for a Democratic DA's victory in 2024, which could compromise her impartiality in cases related to Trump.
- Case Impact Analysis: This request could delay the proceedings, affecting Trump's defense regarding election integrity in Georgia, and further exacerbate political divisions and public skepticism about judicial impartiality.
- Judge's Background Information: Ross has served as a federal judge since 2014 and previously worked in the Fulton County DA's office, which may influence public perception of her rulings given her political affiliations.
See More
Trump Media Group Sees Surge in Options Trading Volume
- Surge in Options Volume: Trump Media & Technology Group (DJT) experienced an options trading volume of 54,583 contracts today, representing approximately 5.5 million shares, which is about 135.3% of its average daily trading volume of 4.0 million shares over the past month, indicating strong market interest.
- High Volume Put Options: Notably, the $5 strike put option for DJT saw significant activity with 8,537 contracts traded today, representing around 853,700 underlying shares, reflecting investor expectations of potential downward price movement.
- Active SiriusXM Options: Concurrently, SiriusXM Holdings (SIRI) recorded an options trading volume of 57,768 contracts today, equating to approximately 5.8 million shares, which exceeds its average daily trading volume of 4.5 million shares by 127.7%, suggesting sustained market interest in the company.
- Significant Call Options Activity: For SIRI, the $30.50 strike call option was particularly active, with 13,778 contracts traded today, representing about 1.4 million underlying shares, indicating investor optimism regarding the stock's future price increase.
See More
Federal Judge Temporarily Blocks DOJ's Anti-Weaponization Fund Actions
- Judge's Injunction: Federal Judge Leonie Brinkema in Virginia has temporarily blocked the DOJ from taking any further actions regarding the Anti-Weaponization Fund, including its creation and funding, indicating significant legal scrutiny over the fund's legitimacy.
- Fund Background: The DOJ's proposed Anti-Weaponization Fund, amounting to $1.8 billion, is part of a settlement related to a $10 billion lawsuit by Trump against the IRS, aimed at compensating alleged victims of prosecutorial overreach, highlighting the intersection of politics and law.
- Lawsuit Challenges: The fund is currently facing three federal lawsuits, with plaintiffs seeking a temporary restraining order; a hearing is scheduled for June 12 to determine whether to maintain the block, underscoring the urgency of legal proceedings.
- Political Controversy: Critics have labeled the fund a “slush fund” for Trump allies, including individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, reflecting the deep divisions and controversies surrounding the DOJ's actions in the current political climate.
See More
Launch of Trump Accounts Empowers Young Americans' Investments
- Account Activation and Educational Resources: Families can activate Trump Accounts immediately, gaining access to financial literacy materials aimed at enhancing young people's financial knowledge and investment awareness, thereby laying the groundwork for future economic independence.
- Corporate Support and Matching Contributions: Major corporations, including SoFi and Intel, have announced plans to match federal contributions for employees' children, which is expected to further promote investment among young people and enhance financial security for families.
- Investment Potential and Long-Term Returns: The Trump Accounts provide a $1,000 federal contribution for children born between 2025 and 2028, with estimates suggesting this could grow to $5,800 by age 18 and nearly $200,000 by age 55, highlighting the immense potential of early investments.
- Market Reaction and Retail Sentiment: While sentiment around Robinhood stock remains bearish, BNY's sentiment is neutral, reflecting differing investor perspectives on the new accounts, which could influence future market dynamics and investment decisions.
See More
Trump Cautions Against Rushing Iran Peace Agreement
- Cautious U.S. Stance: Trump stated on social media that the U.S. will not rush into a peace agreement with Iran, emphasizing that the blockade on the Strait of Hormuz will remain in effect until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed, indicating a more conservative approach in negotiations.
- Impact on Energy Markets: The Strait of Hormuz handles about one-fifth of global oil and LNG shipments, and any durable ceasefire or reopening could ease pressure on energy markets, affecting inflation-sensitive sectors like airlines and agriculture, highlighting the profound economic implications of geopolitical tensions.
- Slow Negotiation Progress: Although Trump mentioned that both sides have “largely negotiated” a memorandum of understanding, significant disagreements remain, particularly regarding Iran's nuclear program, sanctions relief, and access to frozen oil revenues, illustrating the fragility and complexity of any potential agreement.
- Decline in Strait Traffic: The Iranian Revolutionary Guards reported that only 33 vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz in a recent 24-hour period, sharply down from approximately 140 ships daily before the conflict, reflecting the ongoing tensions and unresolved issues in the region.
See More
Shooting Incident Near White House Raises Security Concerns
- Incident Overview: On Saturday evening, 21-year-old suspect Nasire Best opened fire near a White House security checkpoint, resulting in his death after being shot by Secret Service officers, marking the third shooting incident related to Trump in a month, which heightens security concerns surrounding the White House.
- Suspect Background: Best had previously attracted law enforcement attention for attempting to enter another White House checkpoint without authorization in July 2025, where he allegedly claimed to be Jesus Christ and expressed a desire to be arrested, indicating potential mental health issues.
- On-Site Response: Following the shooting, the area around the White House was quickly locked down, with a heavy law enforcement presence drawing significant media attention; witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots, and journalists were instructed to shelter in the press briefing room, underscoring the severity of the incident.
- Escalating Security Threats: This incident follows an assassination attempt against Trump during the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner in April, indicating an increasing security threat against him, prompting the Secret Service and FBI to enhance security measures in the area.
See More
DOJ Requests Judge Ross to Recuse from Election Case
- Recusal Request: The DOJ has requested Judge Eleanor Ross of Georgia to recuse herself from a case involving election records due to her attendance at a victory party, which raises concerns about potential bias affecting the case's fairness.
- Disciplinary Context: The DOJ indicated that Ross may be the judge who faced disciplinary action for attending a celebration for a Democratic DA's victory in 2024, which could compromise her impartiality in cases related to Trump.
- Case Impact Analysis: This request could delay the proceedings, affecting Trump's defense regarding election integrity in Georgia, and further exacerbate political divisions and public skepticism about judicial impartiality.
- Judge's Background Information: Ross has served as a federal judge since 2014 and previously worked in the Fulton County DA's office, which may influence public perception of her rulings given her political affiliations.
See More
Trump Media Group Sees Surge in Options Trading Volume
- Surge in Options Volume: Trump Media & Technology Group (DJT) experienced an options trading volume of 54,583 contracts today, representing approximately 5.5 million shares, which is about 135.3% of its average daily trading volume of 4.0 million shares over the past month, indicating strong market interest.
- High Volume Put Options: Notably, the $5 strike put option for DJT saw significant activity with 8,537 contracts traded today, representing around 853,700 underlying shares, reflecting investor expectations of potential downward price movement.
- Active SiriusXM Options: Concurrently, SiriusXM Holdings (SIRI) recorded an options trading volume of 57,768 contracts today, equating to approximately 5.8 million shares, which exceeds its average daily trading volume of 4.5 million shares by 127.7%, suggesting sustained market interest in the company.
- Significant Call Options Activity: For SIRI, the $30.50 strike call option was particularly active, with 13,778 contracts traded today, representing about 1.4 million underlying shares, indicating investor optimism regarding the stock's future price increase.
See More
Federal Judge Temporarily Blocks DOJ's Anti-Weaponization Fund Actions
- Judge's Injunction: Federal Judge Leonie Brinkema in Virginia has temporarily blocked the DOJ from taking any further actions regarding the Anti-Weaponization Fund, including its creation and funding, indicating significant legal scrutiny over the fund's legitimacy.
- Fund Background: The DOJ's proposed Anti-Weaponization Fund, amounting to $1.8 billion, is part of a settlement related to a $10 billion lawsuit by Trump against the IRS, aimed at compensating alleged victims of prosecutorial overreach, highlighting the intersection of politics and law.
- Lawsuit Challenges: The fund is currently facing three federal lawsuits, with plaintiffs seeking a temporary restraining order; a hearing is scheduled for June 12 to determine whether to maintain the block, underscoring the urgency of legal proceedings.
- Political Controversy: Critics have labeled the fund a “slush fund” for Trump allies, including individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, reflecting the deep divisions and controversies surrounding the DOJ's actions in the current political climate.
See More
Launch of Trump Accounts Empowers Young Americans' Investments
- Account Activation and Educational Resources: Families can activate Trump Accounts immediately, gaining access to financial literacy materials aimed at enhancing young people's financial knowledge and investment awareness, thereby laying the groundwork for future economic independence.
- Corporate Support and Matching Contributions: Major corporations, including SoFi and Intel, have announced plans to match federal contributions for employees' children, which is expected to further promote investment among young people and enhance financial security for families.
- Investment Potential and Long-Term Returns: The Trump Accounts provide a $1,000 federal contribution for children born between 2025 and 2028, with estimates suggesting this could grow to $5,800 by age 18 and nearly $200,000 by age 55, highlighting the immense potential of early investments.
- Market Reaction and Retail Sentiment: While sentiment around Robinhood stock remains bearish, BNY's sentiment is neutral, reflecting differing investor perspectives on the new accounts, which could influence future market dynamics and investment decisions.
See More
Trump Cautions Against Rushing Iran Peace Agreement
- Cautious U.S. Stance: Trump stated on social media that the U.S. will not rush into a peace agreement with Iran, emphasizing that the blockade on the Strait of Hormuz will remain in effect until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed, indicating a more conservative approach in negotiations.
- Impact on Energy Markets: The Strait of Hormuz handles about one-fifth of global oil and LNG shipments, and any durable ceasefire or reopening could ease pressure on energy markets, affecting inflation-sensitive sectors like airlines and agriculture, highlighting the profound economic implications of geopolitical tensions.
- Slow Negotiation Progress: Although Trump mentioned that both sides have “largely negotiated” a memorandum of understanding, significant disagreements remain, particularly regarding Iran's nuclear program, sanctions relief, and access to frozen oil revenues, illustrating the fragility and complexity of any potential agreement.
- Decline in Strait Traffic: The Iranian Revolutionary Guards reported that only 33 vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz in a recent 24-hour period, sharply down from approximately 140 ships daily before the conflict, reflecting the ongoing tensions and unresolved issues in the region.
See More
Shooting Incident Near White House Raises Security Concerns
- Incident Overview: On Saturday evening, 21-year-old suspect Nasire Best opened fire near a White House security checkpoint, resulting in his death after being shot by Secret Service officers, marking the third shooting incident related to Trump in a month, which heightens security concerns surrounding the White House.
- Suspect Background: Best had previously attracted law enforcement attention for attempting to enter another White House checkpoint without authorization in July 2025, where he allegedly claimed to be Jesus Christ and expressed a desire to be arrested, indicating potential mental health issues.
- On-Site Response: Following the shooting, the area around the White House was quickly locked down, with a heavy law enforcement presence drawing significant media attention; witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots, and journalists were instructed to shelter in the press briefing room, underscoring the severity of the incident.
- Escalating Security Threats: This incident follows an assassination attempt against Trump during the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner in April, indicating an increasing security threat against him, prompting the Secret Service and FBI to enhance security measures in the area.
See More
