Trump settlement fund sparks backlash, lawsuits

Hinzugefügt: 2026-05-24

[00:00:00]This morning, growing opposition to a $1.8 billion fund established as part of President Trump's settlement with the IRS for leaking his tax returns. The so-called anti-weaponization fund is aimed at compensating people Trump says were mistreated by the Justice Department during President Biden's time in office.

[00:00:18]>> [screaming] >> That group could include people who attacked police officers during the January 6th riot at the Capitol. Two officers who survived the riot are now suing to stop the fund, calling it a taxpayer-funded slush fund to finance the insurrectionists and paramilitary groups that commit violence in his name.

[00:00:36]It sends that if you commit violence in Donald Trump's name, that you will be protected legally, you will be rewarded financially. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche says a commission will decide who gets payouts from the fund.

[00:00:50]>> People that hurt police get money all the time. There's a process where if you believe you have your rights violated, um you can you can apply for funds, you can sue, you can file a claim, you can go to court.

[00:01:01]>> But some Republicans are among those questioning the process.

[00:01:04]>> Why are we setting aside $1.8 billion for this in a different process? If someone is damaged by the federal government right now, there is already a process in place to be able to get restitution for that.

[00:01:14]>> I'm a supporter. I think it's a You can't do that. Critics also question how the overall settlement was reached. It was expanded this week to end any current IRS audits of the president, his family, or businesses. Trump says he was hands-off during those negotiations.

[00:01:29]>> I released them from the lawsuit, and I guess they made a settlement of some kind. I wasn't involved in the settlement.

[00:01:36]The Justice Department has yet to respond to the officers' lawsuit. A former Trump administration official is already requesting money from the fund, claiming he was unfairly treated by the FBI during the Russia election interference investigation.