Anti-Weaponization Fund: Complete Guide for Claimants
What it is, who qualifies, how to apply, and what to do before the portal opens.
What Is the Anti-Weaponization Fund?
The Anti-Weaponization Fund is a $1.776 billion federal compensation program announced by Acting AG Todd Blanche on May 18, 2026. It was created to compensate individuals, organizations, and businesses that were subjected to politically motivated federal enforcement actions.
The fund is administered by an independent five-member commission. It uses the Judgment Fund statute as its legal mechanism. The filing deadline is December 15, 2028. The DOJ portal is not yet open as of May 2026.
Who Created It?
The Trump administration directed a 15-month DOJ enforcement audit starting in early 2025. That audit identified thousands of cases the administration concluded involved politically motivated federal enforcement. The fund was created to compensate the people in those cases. For the legal basis, see Is the Fund Legal?
Who Qualifies?
The fund covers six documented categories of federal targeting:
- IRS targeting of conservative nonprofits — Organizations subjected to improper political scrutiny or delayed tax-exempt status approvals between 2010 and 2017. Learn more.
- FBI and DOJ investigations — Individuals investigated or prosecuted in ways the commission concludes were politically motivated. Learn more.
- January 6 cases — Participants the commission concludes faced disproportionate charges or sentencing. Learn more.
- FACE Act defendants — Pro-life activists prosecuted for protected First Amendment activity. Learn more.
- School board parents — Parents placed on federal watchlists after school board protests. Learn more.
- COVID mandate enforcement — Individuals and businesses targeted through COVID-related federal enforcement. Learn more.
A seventh catch-all category covers any political speech investigation claims not covered above.
How Does the Commission Work?
An independent five-member commission will review all claims. It applies a "totality of circumstances" standard — meaning it weighs all relevant evidence holistically, not against a rigid checklist. The commission has not been appointed yet as of May 2026.
For more on the commission's structure, see the commission page.
How to Apply
The official DOJ portal is not yet open. When it opens, claimants will submit their documentation directly through the portal. There is no cost to file. You do not need an attorney to file, though complex cases may benefit from legal help.
Do not pay any third-party service to register you before the portal opens. There is no official pre-registration. Any such service is not affiliated with the program.
What to Do Right Now
The time before the portal opens is preparation time. Here is your checklist:
- Use the eligibility check tool to identify your category.
- Gather all federal agency correspondence — letters, notices, subpoenas, emails.
- Document your financial harm — legal fees, lost revenue, compliance costs.
- Preserve FOIA responses and any Inspector General findings about your case.
- Start your free case file at lawfareclaims.org/apply.
The Deadline and Why It Matters
The filing deadline is December 15, 2028. That sounds far away, but the portal will not open until late 2026 or early 2027 at the earliest. That leaves roughly 12–18 months of filing time. Claimants with complete documentation will file quickly and confidently. Claimants who start late will scramble.
If the fund runs low, earlier filers may have an advantage. There is no guarantee late filers will receive full compensation even if they qualify.
Legal Questions About the Fund
The fund faces potential legal challenges. As of May 2026, no court has ruled against it. For the legal debate, see:
Notable Cases and Context
- Trump's Executive Action Explained
- What Acting AG Blanche Said
- Caputo: First Known Claimant
- Cohen: Eligibility Questions
- Comey: The Fund's Ironic Test
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the fund real?
Yes. It is a formal DOJ program with $1.776 billion, a statutory legal basis, and an official filing deadline. No court has stopped it.
Do I need a lawyer to file?
No. The portal will be open to direct filing. But complex cases — especially those involving criminal charges or corporate entities — may benefit from legal guidance.
What if I am not sure I qualify?
Use the free eligibility check tool for a preliminary assessment. Then start your documentation file regardless — gathering records costs nothing and keeps your options open.
How much money can I receive?
The per-claim amount has not been announced. For comparison, Keepseagle averaged $25,000 in simplified claims and up to $250,000 for fully documented claims. The AWF may follow a similar structure.
Can a business or nonprofit file?
The fund description includes organizations and businesses. The specific rules will be set in the forthcoming rulemaking process.
Does Michael Cohen Qualify for the Anti-Weaponization Fund?
Michael Cohen pleaded guilty but later claimed political retaliation. Whether cooperating witnesses with prior convictions can file AWF claims is one of the fund's most complex eligibility questions.
Read analysis ANTI-WEAPONIZATION-FUNDTodd Blanche and the Anti-Weaponization Fund Explained
Acting AG Todd Blanche announced the $1.776 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund on May 18, 2026. His background as Trump's former personal attorney and his specific statements on eligibility matter.
Read analysis ANTI-WEAPONIZATION-FUNDAnti-Weaponization Fund Critics: Arguments For and Against
A fair look at the strongest arguments on both sides of the Anti-Weaponization Fund debate — from critics who call it a political payoff to supporters who cite documented government abuse.
Read analysis