A group of retired bipartisan judges is urging that the recently dismissed $10 billion lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) be reopened due to potential fraud allegations.
The group, which includes retired judge J. Michael Luttig, who testified during the 2021 Capitol riot investigation, submitted a court document on Wednesday. They expressed concerns over a settlement announced by the Department of Justice (DOJ) following the dismissal of the lawsuit, arguing that it “raises profound questions about the parties’ candor toward the Court and manipulation of the judicial system.”
The retired judges are advocating for a “challenge of fraud” under Rule 60 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which they believe allows for the case to be reopened. Alternatively, they are urging the presiding judge to independently reopen the case.
They contend that the settlement in the lawsuit “was not, and never will be, legally justified.”
The group is part of a larger legal movement opposing the Trump administration’s newly established $1.776 billion fund for individuals claiming wrongful government targeting.
“The unprecedentedly fraudulent scheme here more than warrants voiding the dismissal,” the judges wrote.
The Department of Justice did not immediately respond to Benzinga‘s request for comments.
Anti-Weaponization Fund Faces Backlash
The Trump administration’s “Anti-Weaponization Fund” has sparked a rush of claims from various associates and critics of the president. Mike Lindell, CEO of MyPillow and a vocal Trump supporter, announced his intention to apply for the fund, alleging that his company suffered millions in losses due to political attacks. At the same time, Former FBI Director James Comey, previously targeted by Trump also hinted at his potential application to the fund through his lawyers.
Vice President JD Vance suggested that Hunter Biden, the son of former President Joe Biden, is also welcome to apply for a payout, emphasizing the impartial nature of the anti-weaponization fund.
However, the fund’s establishment has drawn backlash from Democrats and Republicans alike. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) disclosed that Republicans were considering legislative actions to “kill” the fund. Meanwhile, Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) said that he’d “be willing to consider” leveraging congressional action to block the funds.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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