A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from moving forward with a $1.8 billion compensation package criticized as a 'slush fund' for political allies. The judge will consider a longer pause on the fund's creation and operation.

A federal judge on Friday temporarily blocked the Trump administration from moving ahead with a US$1.8 billion compensation package that critics have denounced as a “slush fund” for President Donald Trump’s political allies. US District Judge Leonie Brinkema barred the administration from taking any further action to create or operate the fund while she considers whether to impose a longer-lasting pause. Her order blocks the transfer of money into the fund, the consideration of claims and the...