First I was surprised to read the Veracrypt maintainers could be in this situation, then read the top comment where Wireguard maintainers are too (unless I misunderstood). Is this some malicious new program inside Microsoft to try and shutdown open source projects so they can push Windows products and solutions more?
Yes.
It feels more like an automated block due to uncharacteristical increase in download activity. Something that it seems more and more companies are taking seriously is the cottage industry of scams involving less technically savvy downloading apps online and getting their information stolen. The motivation for this is probably the same as Google stopping side loading. Take that as you want.