Trump Reportedly Negotiating $1.7B IRS Settlement Fund for Allies
President Donald Trump is reportedly negotiating a controversial settlement to drop a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS in exchange for a $1.7 billion compensation fund. This fund, financed by the Treasury, would compensate political allies and January 6 defendants claiming harm from the Biden administration’s legal actions. Critics, including Democratic lawmakers and media figures, condemn the deal as an unprecedented misuse of taxpayer money and a conflict of interest, given Trump’s control over the involved agencies. A federal judge has raised concerns about the lack of adversarial standing and oversight, appointing independent lawyers to review the agreement’s legitimacy before a May court deadline.
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Court extends block on Trump administration's 'anti-weaponization' fund
A federal judge in Virginia, Leonie Brinkema, extended a block on the Trump administration's $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund, rejecting claims that the lawsuit was moot. The fund, announced as part of a settlement over leaked tax returns, would compensate people harmed by alleged 'weaponization' of prior Democratic administrations. Judge Brinkema noted President Trump's public statements supporting the fund as evidence it was not truly abandoned. She gave the administration one week to submit a binding statement from Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent formally renouncing the fund, or the lawsuit would proceed. The case was brought by individuals, Common Cause, the National Abortion Federation, and New Haven, Connecticut. Bipartisan concerns had already delayed a reconciliation vote over the fund.
Roll CallTrump Reportedly Reconsidering Controversial Anti-Weaponization Fund
President Donald Trump is reportedly reconsidering the $1.8 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' established in his May 18 settlement agreement with the IRS. The fund, designed to compensate individuals claiming they were targeted by the Biden administration for political or ideological reasons, has faced vigorous opposition from Republican legislators and encountered two judicial roadblocks. An unnamed administration official told Axios that the fund 'has become a distraction,' though the president still believes government was weaponized against people. The settlement stemmed from Trump's January lawsuit against the IRS over leaked tax returns, which critics called a brazenly corrupt scheme due to conflicts of interest—both sides were represented by lawyers working for Trump. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche reportedly sought to avoid paying Trump directly but failed to prevent political backlash. The fund's board members would serve at the president's pleasure with secret procedures, and it would cease operations by December 2028.
Reason.comTrump Reportedly Reconsidering Politically and Legally Contentious 'Anti-Weaponization Fund'
President Donald Trump is reportedly reconsidering the $1.8 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' established in his May 18 settlement agreement with the IRS. The fund was designed to compensate individuals claiming they were targeted by the Biden administration for political reasons. The plan faced vigorous objections from Republican legislators and encountered two judicial roadblocks. An unnamed administration official told Axios the fund 'has become a distraction.' The settlement stemmed from Trump's lawsuit alleging an IRS contractor's illegal leaking of his tax returns caused $10 billion in damages, though Trump missed the statutory deadline and the Justice Department never mounted a defense. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche reportedly sought to avoid paying Trump directly but failed to prevent political backlash. The fund's board members would serve at the president's pleasure with secretive procedures, and it would cease operations by December 2028.
Reason.comTrump Reconsidering $1.8 Billion Fund as Justice Department Pauses It Amid Legal and Political Backlash
U.S. President Donald Trump is reconsidering a $1.8 billion 'Anti-Weaponisation Fund' meant to compensate his allies, as the Justice Department temporarily pauses its implementation to comply with a court order. The fund, established to resolve Trump's lawsuit against the IRS over leaked tax returns, has faced mounting legal setbacks and political backlash from Republicans in Congress concerned about lack of oversight and potential payouts to participants in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. A federal judge in Virginia halted the fund's formation pending a June 12 hearing, while a Florida judge questioned the legality of the settlement. Senate Majority Leader John Thune urged the administration to shut down the fund, and lawmakers have refused to pass a Homeland Security spending bill until parameters are placed on the money. The White House is now weighing whether to abandon the fund entirely.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Trump Administration Pauses Controversial Compensation Fund for Alleged Justice System Victims After Criticism and Court Order
The Trump administration is temporarily halting a controversial $1.8 billion compensation fund intended for alleged victims of politically or ideologically motivated actions by the US justice system, following heavy criticism and a court order. A federal court in Virginia stopped the fund to prevent irreversible payouts until a June 12 hearing. Critics, including some Republicans, accuse Trump of using the fund to reward supporters indicted for their roles in the January 6, 2021 Capitol storming, whom Trump later pardoned. The fund originated from a settlement of Trump's personal lawsuit against the IRS, alleging a former employee leaked tax data from the Trump Organization to left-leaning media. The White House and Justice Department have distanced themselves from the fund for now, though it remains unclear if the plans are permanently abandoned.
Nachrichten - WELTTrump's $1.8 Billion 'Anti-Weaponization' Fund Paused Amid Court Ruling and GOP Backlash
The Justice Department announced on June 1, 2026, that President Donald Trump has paused his $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund, which was created as part of a settlement with the IRS to compensate individuals claiming judicial system weaponization. While the DOJ blamed a recent court ruling by Judge Leonie M. Brinkema that temporarily blocked the fund until at least June 12, reports indicate the Trump administration is backing down amid widespread criticism from Republican lawmakers. Senate Majority Leader John Thune confirmed discussions with the White House about changing the settlement. Democrats, led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, plan to force votes on amendments to kill the fund entirely. The fund's applicants reportedly include Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio, January 6 rioters, and former Congressman George Santos. The fund's future remains uncertain, with a court hearing scheduled for June 12.
Forbes - BusinessTrump backs off 'anti-weaponization' fund after GOP backlash
The Trump administration has agreed to abandon its proposed $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization fund' following intense backlash from Republican lawmakers and a federal court order temporarily blocking the fund. The fund, intended to compensate victims of alleged lawfare by previous administrations, faced bipartisan criticism over concerns it could benefit individuals convicted of attacking law enforcement, including those involved in the January 6 Capitol attack. The controversy stalled a nearly $72 billion budget reconciliation package focused on immigration enforcement, as senators left for Memorial Day recess without voting. Senate Majority Leader John Thune emphasized the need to keep the bill narrow to ensure passage. The Justice Department stated it will comply with the court order but disagrees strongly with the ruling. Democrats plan to push separate legislation to permanently ban such a fund, citing distrust of Trump's assurances.
Roll CallTrump's IRS Settlement Faces Two Federal Court Setbacks
President Donald Trump's controversial settlement with the IRS, which created a $1.8 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' and granted him sweeping immunity, suffered two judicial setbacks on Friday. In the Eastern District of Virginia, Judge Leonie Brinkema temporarily barred the Justice Department from allocating money to the fund, responding to a lawsuit by former federal prosecutors who argue the settlement is illegal and unconstitutional. In the Southern District of Florida, Judge Kathleen Williams ordered briefing on whether the settlement is 'a product of collusion' and 'a fraud on the Court,' following a motion by 35 former federal judges. The settlement stemmed from Trump's lawsuit over leaked tax returns but includes provisions unrelated to that case, such as compensating his supporters and granting immunity from federal offenses.
Reason.comTrump's IRS Settlement Faces Two Federal Court Setbacks
President Donald Trump's controversial settlement with the IRS, which created a $1.8 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' to compensate his supporters and granted him sweeping immunity from federal prosecution, suffered two judicial setbacks on Friday. In the Eastern District of Virginia, Judge Leonie Brinkema temporarily barred the Justice Department from allocating money to the fund, responding to a lawsuit arguing the settlement is an illegal, unconstitutional slush fund benefiting Trump's allies. In the Southern District of Florida, Judge Kathleen Williams ordered briefing on whether the settlement is 'a product of collusion' and 'a fraud on the Court,' after 35 former federal judges urged her to reopen the case. The settlement stemmed from Trump's lawsuit over leaked tax returns but included provisions unrelated to that dispute, prompting accusations of corruption and abuse of the judicial system.
Reason.comJudge Launches Inquiry into Trump-IRS Settlement That Led to Anti-Weaponization Fund
A federal judge has launched an inquiry into a settlement between former President Donald Trump and the IRS that resulted in the creation of a nearly $1.8 billion fund for victims of government weaponization. The settlement resolved Trump's $10 billion lawsuit over the leak of his tax returns by a private contractor in 2019 and 2020. The case raised conflict-of-interest questions as Trump appointees now control the Justice Department and IRS. The fund announcement excited hundreds of people pardoned for their roles in the January 6 Capitol riot, who plan to seek payouts. However, police officers who defended the Capitol and former Justice Department prosecutors sued to block the fund, with another judge ordering a two-week pause. Judge Williams indicated she may reopen the case, noting suggestions that Trump's attorneys filed the lawsuit without merit solely to justify the settlement. She cited a federal rule against filings for improper purposes.
"site:politico.eu" - Google NewsEven Republicans Are Rebelling at Trump's Blatantly Corrupt 'Anti-Weaponization Fund'
Republican senators are rebelling against President Trump's $1.8 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' created through a settlement of his lawsuit against the IRS. The lawsuit, filed over the illegal leaking of Trump's tax returns by an IRS contractor, was legally dubious and filed too late. The settlement arbitrarily assigns $1.776 billion to a fund that will compensate purported victims of 'lawfare and weaponization,' though the beneficiaries are expected to be Trump allies. The settlement violates a Justice Department rule prohibiting payments to non-governmental third parties not party to the dispute. A board appointed by the attorney general and removable by the president without cause will control the funds. At a meeting with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, at least half of the 45 attending senators expressed anger over the arrangement.
Reason.comEven Republicans Are Rebelling at Trump's Blatantly Corrupt 'Anti-Weaponization Fund'
Republican senators, including Ted Cruz, expressed strong opposition to President Trump's $1.8 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' during a meeting with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. The fund was created via a settlement of Trump's lawsuit against the IRS over leaked tax returns, but the lawsuit was legally dubious and filed too late. The settlement arbitrarily assigns $1.776 billion to the fund, which will be distributed by a board appointed by the attorney general and removable by the president without cause. Critics argue the fund has no connection to the original claims, violates a DOJ rule against third-party settlement payments, and is designed to benefit Trump's allies and supporters.
Reason.comOutrage erupts over Trump’s $1.8 billion ‘slush fund’ for allies
The Trump administration has created a $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund to compensate individuals allegedly targeted under the Biden administration, while also barring the IRS from pursuing tax claims against President Trump, his family, or his businesses. The fund, set at $1.776 billion in a nod to America's founding, was established by the Justice Department to settle a $10 billion lawsuit Trump brought against the IRS over leaked tax returns. Critics across the political spectrum have condemned the move as corrupt, with Democrats calling it a 'slush fund' for Trump's allies and some Republicans expressing reservations. The fund's administration lacks transparency, and there are concerns it could compensate January 6 Capitol rioters. Two police officers who clashed with rioters have sued to block the fund. Columnists have described the fund as an 'obscene' theft of taxpayer money and part of a broader pattern of corruption.
TheWeek feedOutrage erupts over Trump’s $1.8 billion ‘slush fund’ for allies
The Trump administration has created a $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund to compensate individuals allegedly targeted under the Biden administration, while also barring the IRS from pursuing tax claims against President Trump, his family, or his businesses. The fund, set at $1.776 billion in a nod to America's founding, was established via a Justice Department settlement of Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS over leaked tax returns. Critics across the political spectrum, including Democratic Senator Patty Murray and Republican Senator John Thune, have condemned the fund as a corrupt 'slush fund' for Trump's allies. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche refused to rule out payments to Jan. 6 rioters convicted of assaulting police. Two police officers who clashed with rioters on Jan. 6 have sued to block the fund. Columnists from The Bulwark, National Review, The New York Times, and The Atlantic have described the move as an unprecedented act of corruption, with some calling it grounds for impeachment.
TheWeek feedOutrage erupts over Trump’s ‘slush fund’ for allies
The Trump administration created a $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund to compensate alleged victims of Biden-era 'lawfare' and barred IRS audits of Trump and his family. Critics across the political spectrum, including Democrats and some Republicans, condemned the fund as a corrupt 'slush fund' for Trump's allies. The fund, set at $1.776 billion, was created via a Justice Department settlement of Trump's lawsuit over leaked tax returns. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche will appoint a secretive five-person panel to disburse funds, with no liability for misuse. Democrats and two Jan. 6 police officers sued to block the fund, fearing it could reward insurrectionists. Columnists described the move as 'emperor stuff' and 'the most brazen theft of taxpayer cash yet,' while noting the dropping of tax audits shields Trump from financial scrutiny amid revelations of significant stock trading and potential tax liabilities.
TheWeek feedDOJ's Weak Legal Justifications for Trump's 'Anti-Weaponization Fund'
The article analyzes the legal and political controversy surrounding President Donald Trump's settlement of his own lawsuit against the IRS, which resulted in a $1.8 billion payout from the federal treasury to fund an 'Anti-Weaponization Fund.' The fund is intended to compensate individuals who claim they were victims of government 'weaponization' and 'lawfare.' Critics, including the Cato Institute and some Republican lawmakers, argue the settlement is a corrupt, taxpayer-funded slush fund that Trump can use to reward allies, including January 6 rioters. The article highlights the weakness of the DOJ's legal precedent, citing the Keepseagle v. Vilsack case, which involved compensating Native American farmers for discrimination, as a flawed comparison. The settlement also includes an IRS apology and a permanent bar on prosecuting Trump for existing tax offenses, potentially saving him over $100 million in fines.
Reason.comTrump Is Now a World-Class Kleptocrat
The article reports that President Donald Trump has orchestrated a settlement with his own administration's IRS, dropping a $10 billion lawsuit over leaked tax returns in exchange for creating a $1.776 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund.' This fund, controlled by Trump, is intended to pay out to January 6 insurrectionists and political cronies. The author characterizes this as an unprecedented act of kleptocracy, comparing it to authoritarian regimes where a ruling figure creates a personal slush fund without oversight. The piece criticizes initial media coverage for downplaying the scheme, calling it 'sinwashing,' and warns that Trump may face no consequences due to elite impunity and Supreme Court immunity rulings. Expert Casey Michel notes the fund could transform insurrectionists into a personal paramilitary, marking a dangerous escalation in U.S. political corruption.
The New RepublicTrump Is Now a World-Class Kleptocrat
The article reports that President Donald Trump has orchestrated a settlement with his own administration's IRS, dropping a $10 billion lawsuit over leaked tax returns in exchange for creating a $1.776 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund.' This fund, controlled by Trump, is intended to pay out to January 6 insurrectionists and political cronies. The piece characterizes this as an unprecedented act of kleptocracy in U.S. history, comparing it to authoritarian regimes. It criticizes initial media coverage for downplaying the scheme, calling it 'sinwashing.' The author argues this is an impeachable offense and a dangerous consolidation of power, with Trump acting openly due to perceived immunity from prosecution.
The New RepublicTrump Is Now a World-Class Kleptocrat
The article reports that President Donald Trump has orchestrated a settlement with his own administration's IRS, dropping a $10 billion lawsuit over leaked tax returns in exchange for creating a $1.776 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund.' This fund, which Trump will effectively control, is intended to pay out to January 6 insurrectionists and political cronies. The piece characterizes this as an unprecedented act of kleptocracy in U.S. history, comparing it to authoritarian regimes. It notes that Trump is openly broadcasting the scheme, unlike most foreign kleptocrats who try to hide their tracks. The article also criticizes initial media coverage, particularly from The New York Times, for downplaying the scheme's purpose. Expert Casey Michel is quoted describing the fund as a tool to create a personal paramilitary without oversight.
The New RepublicTrump Admits Role in $1.8 Billion DOJ Slush Fund, Faces Republican Backlash
President Donald Trump admitted on Truth Social that he was involved in creating the Justice Department's $1.8 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund,' contradicting his earlier denial. The fund, established as Trump dropped a $10 billion IRS lawsuit, provides taxpayer-funded payments to right-wing allies who claim targeting by the Biden administration. The deal includes an unprecedented immunity clause from acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, barring future federal prosecution of Trump, his family, and his business. Hundreds of MAGA allies, including MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell and pardoned January 6 rioters, have applied for payments. The initiative faces mounting opposition from House and Senate Republicans, forcing Trump to lobby for support. Legal experts question the scheme's constitutionality, warning it undermines separation of powers.
The New Republic