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The case centres on Trump’s claim that his tax records were mishandled, leading to leaks to the media. The proposed settlement includes a nearly $1.8 billion fund to compensate victims of what is described as political “weaponisation.”
According to Reuters, Williams has ordered Trump’s lawyers on Friday to respond by June 12 to a motion filed by 35 retired federal judges. The judges are challenging the deal, describing it as “a product of collusion and is itself a fraud on the court,” and are also asking whether the case should be reopened over allegations of “deception.”
The court said it has the power to examine serious misconduct even after a case is dismissed. The settlement was initially dismissed on May 18 after Trump moved to withdraw the lawsuit. However, the judge’s latest order has reopened scrutiny of the agreement.
The judges argue that the settlement raises serious concerns about the integrity of the legal process and could damage public confidence in the justice system.
In a separate ruling, U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema in Virginia temporarily blocked plans to establish an “Anti-Weaponisation Fund.” The order will remain in place until at least June 12. The fund has experienced criticism, including from some Republican lawmakers, over concerns it could lead to taxpayer-funded payouts to individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
Legal experts say the settlement is highly unusual, noting that such large funds are typically created by Congress or supervised by the courts.
