On Friday, the Trump administration appealed a ruling by U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams in Florida, who concluded that former President Trump effectively colluded with his own government in initiating a $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

The Justice Department had cited this lawsuit as the basis for establishing a $1.776 billion anti-weaponization fund. However, Judge Williams criticized the suit, stating it was “brought to manipulate the judicial process.” She further wrote in a 56-page filing that “there was never adverseness between the Parties; there was never a case or controversy; and there was never a question as to who would prevail.”

Williams also determined that the plaintiffs improperly used the lawsuit to secure access to taxpayer funds and exemptions from audits and investigations by leveraging control over the defendants.

While the ruling did not block the Justice Department from creating the anti-weaponization fund, it did order that the fund not be referred to as a settlement in the case. The appeal signals the Trump administration’s intent to continue contesting both the fund and potentially revive the lawsuit against the IRS.

This development comes amid challenges in the Senate regarding the confirmation of Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Justice, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. Two GOP senators have requested a written pledge from Blanche to end the anti-weaponization fund.

The appeal filing from Trump’s legal team does not present legal arguments but serves as a notice of intent to challenge Williams’s ruling before the 11th Circuit Court.

Sources