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35 Retired Federal Judges Slam Trump's 'Laughable' Defense of His 'Obviously Collusive' IRS Settlement
A group of 35 retired federal judges filed a response in a Florida court criticizing President Donald Trump's legal defense of his 2026 settlement with the IRS. The settlement, which awarded Trump $1.8 billion in taxpayer money via an 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' and granted immunity to Trump and his family from tax violations, was negotiated by attorneys who had previously worked for Trump. The judges argue that this arrangement, which Trump himself described as a 'settlement with myself,' suggests fraud on the court. The DOJ did not contest Trump's weak legal claims, and a federal judge had previously questioned whether the case involved a genuine controversy. The retired judges' filing calls for an investigation into whether the judicial process was corrupted.
Reason.com35 Retired Federal Judges Denounce Trump's IRS Settlement as Collusive
Thirty-five retired federal judges filed a court response on June 21, 2026, sharply criticizing President Donald Trump's legal defense of his $1.8 billion settlement with the IRS. The judges argued that the settlement, which created an 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' and shielded Trump and his family from liability, was 'obviously collusive' and a fraud on the court. Trump had sued the IRS over a tax return leak, but the DOJ, led by a Trump appointee, did not contest the case. The settlement was reached without a genuine legal controversy, with Trump himself describing it as 'a settlement with myself.' The judges called for an investigation into potential corruption of the judicial process.
Reason.comTrump Lawyers Deny Fraud in Self-Settlement with IRS
President Donald Trump's lawyers have filed a brief insisting there is 'no evidence' of 'collusion or fraud' in his settlement with the IRS, a case where Trump sued an agency he oversees. The settlement, announced by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche on May 18, included $1.8 billion in taxpayer money for victims of alleged 'lawfare' and provided liability protection for Trump and his family. U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams is considering whether to reopen the case after 35 former federal judges alleged the court was a 'victim of a fraud.' Trump's lawyers argue the judge lacks authority to review the settlement, claiming the Justice Department had independent statutory authority to settle. The case highlights conflicts of interest, as both sides were represented by lawyers working for Trump, and an executive order bars government lawyers from taking positions at odds with the president.
Reason.comTrump's Lawyers Deny Collusion or Fraud in His Settlement with the IRS
President Donald Trump's lawyers filed a brief arguing there is 'no evidence' of collusion or fraud in his lawsuit against the IRS, which resulted in a $1.8 billion settlement funded by taxpayers. The lawsuit, filed in January 2026, alleged damages from an IRS contractor leaking Trump's tax returns. Critics highlight a glaring conflict of interest: Trump sued an agency he oversees, with both sides represented by lawyers who work for him. The settlement also included immunity for Trump and his family from tax violations and other federal offenses. A group of 35 former federal judges has asked the court to reopen the case, alleging the court was the 'victim of a fraud.' Trump's lawyers argue the court lacks authority to review the settlement, claiming the Justice Department had independent statutory authority to settle regardless of the lawsuit.
Reason.comTrump Lawyers Deny Fraud in Self-Settled IRS Lawsuit for $1.8 Billion
The article reports that President Donald Trump's personal lawyers argue there is 'no evidence' of collusion or fraud in his settlement with the IRS, which was effectively a settlement with himself. The case, Trump v. IRS, ended with a $1.8 billion taxpayer-funded settlement announced by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, which included protections for Trump and his family from liability. U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams is considering reopening the case amid allegations of fraud by former federal judges. Trump's lawyers contend the court lacks authority to review the settlement, which they claim the Justice Department had independent statutory authority to enter. The core issue revolves around the lack of genuine adversity between parties, as both sides were represented by lawyers working for Trump.
Reason.com