A federal judge in Washington has delivered an unusually sharp rebuke in litigation tied to President Donald Trump, ruling that a $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service was brought for an improper purpose and appeared aimed at giving legal cover to a settlement that would grant special benefits to Trump-affiliated parties.

The ruling goes beyond dismissal or adverse merits findings.

A federal judge in New York has authorized payment of roughly $5.8 million to E. Jean Carroll, moving to satisfy the 2023 civil judgment that found Donald Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming her. The order marks a consequential enforcement step in one of the highest-profile civil cases in the country, showing that even while post-trial challenges and appellate efforts continue, prevailing plaintiffs can still press toward collection.

The underlying case, Carroll v. Trump, arose from Carroll’s claims that Trump sexually abused her in the 1990s and later defamed her by denying the accusation.

A federal judge in the Southern District of Florida has ordered additional scrutiny of the settlement resolving Donald Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS and the Justice Department, an unusual step that puts the mechanics of government dealmaking under a brighter spotlight.

U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams’ order follows objections from retired judges who challenged the arrangement and argued that the settlement may raise concerns about collusion, abuse of process, or other irregularities.