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Man Charged With Attempted Murder After Attack Outside California ‘Trump House’

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Arrest image via Pixabay

A California man is facing attempted murder charges after a brutal daytime attack outside a well-known San Diego “Trump House” left an elderly homeowner fighting for his life and a bystander injured, according to police.

Authorities say 32-year-old Thomas Caleb Butler is accused of critically injuring the homeowner outside a residence on Buchanan Street in Escondido that has long drawn attention for its prominent displays of American flags and pro-Trump banners. The suspect, who lives nearby, is being held at the Vista Detention Facility in San Diego County.

The attack unfolded around 2:15 p.m. Wednesday when Escondido police responded to reports of an assault near East Mission Avenue and Buchanan Street. Officers arrived to find an elderly man suffering from severe injuries in the driveway area, along with a good Samaritan who had intervened and was also hurt.

Police say Butler fled the scene on foot but was located about a half-mile away shortly afterward and taken into custody.

The victim, whose name has not been released, was hospitalized in critical condition. Public records indicate the home is owned by a 69-year-old man. The property—widely referred to online as the “Trump House”—has been a familiar local landmark for years due to its extensive political signage and flags, which neighbors have both complained about and discussed online.

Video and photos from the scene show a heavy police presence, evidence markers along the street, and what appeared to be blood near the driveway between parked vehicles, including a pickup truck displaying American flags.

While investigators have not publicly detailed a motive, the case is already fueling broader concern about escalating political hostility in public spaces. Online discussions about the property in past years have included both criticism of the displays and, in some cases, explicit hostility toward the homeowner.

The incident comes amid a broader national backdrop of politically charged confrontations and violence. In recent weeks, conservative media and activist circles have pointed to the reported attack on Turning Point USA reporter Savannah Hernandez during a separate confrontation as part of a growing pattern of aggression directed at individuals associated with right-leaning political movements. (RELATED: 2 Indicted Following Assault Of Turning Point USA Journalist)

Taken together, these episodes are likely to intensify debate over whether political rhetoric and public polarization are increasingly spilling over into real-world violence. Law enforcement officials have not indicated that Butler’s alleged attack was politically motivated, and the investigation remains ongoing.

This article originally appeared on American Liberty News. Republished with permission.

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DOJ Deal Reportedly Bars IRS From Pursuing Claims Against Trump Family

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Ivanka Trump via Gage Skidmore Flickr

President Donald Trump’s controversial settlement with the IRS is drawing mounting criticism after reports revealed the agreement may shield Trump, his family, and affiliated business entities from certain future tax scrutiny while dramatically expanding the administration’s new “Anti-Weaponization Fund.”

According to multiple reports, the Justice Department quietly added language to the deal that would permanently bar the IRS from pursuing certain examinations involving Trump family tax filings submitted before the agreement was finalized. The protections reportedly extend beyond Trump himself to related family members, trusts, businesses, and affiliated entities.

The additional language surfaced after Trump agreed to withdraw his $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS over the disclosure of his tax returns. In return, the administration established an approximately $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund” designed to compensate people who claim they were targeted through politically motivated government actions.

As Politico reported, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche approved the broad addendum — a move that appears aimed at ending Trump’s long-running conflicts with the IRS.

But questions surrounding the agreement have quickly followed.

The document reportedly does not include signatures from any IRS official or any attorney currently representing Trump. Metadata embedded in the file indicates it was created or scanned at roughly 7:50 a.m. Tuesday.

Blanche also was not among the officials who signed the original settlement agreement, which instead included signatures from Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward, IRS CEO Frank Bisignano, and Trump attorney Daniel Epstein.

The Justice Department did not immediately explain why the new waiver language was absent from the agreement publicly released earlier or why different signatories appear on the updated document.

Former IRS officials are warning the arrangement could establish a major precedent.

John Koskinen, IRS commissioner from 2013 through 2017, argued that exempting a sitting president from future scrutiny raises significant concerns.

“It makes you wonder what the President has to hide in those tax returns,” Koskinen said in a statement. “Not auditing his returns is the same as giving him an easy way to, in effect, receive money from the government.”

Danny Werfel, who served as IRS commissioner from 2023 to 2025, said he was unaware of any precedent in which the IRS had “agreed in advance to permanently forgo examination of previously filed tax returns for a specific person or business.”

Critics say the controversy extends beyond tax policy itself. Because Trump reached the agreement while leading the executive branch, opponents argue he was effectively negotiating with agencies operating under his own administration — a dynamic they say creates an extraordinary appearance of conflict.

Some opponents have also described the new Anti-Weaponization Fund as a taxpayer-funded “slush fund” that could disproportionately benefit Trump allies and politically connected figures.

The administration has defended the settlement as a lawful response to improper disclosures of confidential taxpayer information and broader allegations that federal agencies had been politically weaponized. Legal analysts, however, continue debating whether portions of the agreement — particularly the reported audit restrictions — could face future constitutional or legal challenges.

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Report: Mike Lindell To File ‘Anti-Weaponization’ Fund Claim

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Madeleine Jackson
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Mike Lindell via Gage Skidmore Flickr

President Trump ally Mike Lindell said Wednesday that he plans to seek compensation through the Department of Justice’s newly created “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” arguing that his company suffered massive financial losses after he became one of the most prominent supporters of Trump’s claims about the 2020 election.

Lindell made the announcement during an appearance on Lindell TV, saying his company and employees were financially devastated following years of legal battles, public backlash, and scrutiny tied to his election-related activism.

“We had three third parties look and do an evaluation of MyPillow, what it was prior to all these attacks and what it is now,” Lindell said during the broadcast. “And all of them averaged $400 million that it cost the brand and cost MyPillow. And it’s just horrific that our own government could do this to the American dream.”

He continued, “This company was built on the American dream and made in the USA and to have this happen. It will be a blessing to actually get some of these, my employees made whole that were stockholders in MyPillow. And even a lot of them that have lost their jobs, you know, that were affected then and all this.”

Lindell’s comments come just days after the Department of Justice announced a $1.776 billion compensation fund intended to provide relief for individuals who claim they were victims of government “weaponization” or “lawfare.” The five-member commission overseeing the fund will be empowered to issue formal apologies and monetary compensation to qualifying applicants, though the administration has not yet clearly defined eligibility standards.

The program emerged from a settlement involving President Trump’s now-withdrawn lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service and has generated controversy because of questions surrounding who may ultimately benefit. Critics have questioned whether the fund could become a vehicle for compensating Trump allies, while supporters argue it provides a mechanism for individuals who believe they were improperly targeted by the federal government.

Lindell appears to be among the first high-profile figures publicly announcing plans to pursue compensation.

According to reports, other Trump allies considering claims include Michael Caputo and former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio. Vice President J. D. Vance also suggested Tuesday that Tina Peters could potentially qualify for compensation.

Lindell spent years aggressively promoting claims that the 2020 election had been stolen from Trump, despite courts repeatedly rejecting allegations of widespread fraud and election officials finding no evidence that fraud altered the outcome of the race.

The MyPillow CEO said he personally spent approximately $25 million supporting election-fraud claims and financed a three-hour programming block on One America News Network that aired a documentary promoting election conspiracy theories.

His activism led to a wave of fallout extending beyond politics.

Multiple major retailers, including several national chains, pulled MyPillow products from their stores amid consumer and political pressure campaigns. Lindell also became the target of multiple defamation lawsuits related to his claims about voting systems and election technology.

In one of the most notable cases, voting technology company Dominion Voting Systems sued Lindell for defamation, alleging he spread false claims accusing the company of manipulating election results. Smartmatic also filed litigation against him over similar allegations.

Lindell additionally drew scrutiny from congressional investigators over his involvement surrounding the events of Jan. 6, 2021. He helped organize activities surrounding Trump’s efforts to challenge the election outcome and later had his phone records subpoenaed by the House Select Committee investigating the Capitol attack.

The DOJ fund itself continues to face mounting legal and political challenges. Former U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn criticized the program this week, arguing it could create incentives for individuals involved in Jan. 6-related activity.

“Donald Trump is putting a retainer on a mob, on a militia that’s already showed the violence that they’re willing to enact on his behalf. And he’s incentivizing it, too,” Dunn said during an appearance on CNN.

Dunn and D.C. Metropolitan Police officer Daniel Hodges have since filed suit seeking to block the Justice Department from moving forward with the payouts.

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Ex-Federal Prosecutor Indicted For Stealing Copies Of Unreleased Jack Smith Report

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A former federal prosecutor has been indicted after allegedly taking copies of a still-unreleased volume of former special counsel Jack Smith’s report on his investigation into President Donald Trump — and allegedly disguising the files with names like “Chocolate_Cake_Recipe.pdf.”

The case is raising fresh questions surrounding the highly controversial legal effort against Trump and how officials involved in the process handled sensitive government materials.

Federal prosecutors charged former Justice Department official Carmen Lineberger, 62, with four counts tied to allegedly stealing and concealing government records. During a court appearance Wednesday in West Palm Beach, Florida, Lineberger pleaded not guilty and was released on her own recognizance.

According to the indictment, Lineberger — formerly the managing assistant U.S. attorney in Fort Pierce, Florida — received a restricted copy of a volume of Smith’s report last year and allegedly forwarded it, along with internal Justice Department communications, to personal Hotmail and Gmail accounts.

Prosecutors claim she attempted to conceal the transfer by changing file names to appear harmless, including “Chocolate_Cake_Recipe.pdf” and “Bundt_Cake_Recipe.pdf.”

The indictment, however, does not allege why Lineberger moved the files to personal accounts, nor does it accuse her of leaking the materials publicly. Court records also do not specify what other internal DOJ records may have been transferred alongside the Smith report.

If convicted on all charges — including obstruction of justice, concealing government records, and two misdemeanor theft counts — Lineberger faces a maximum sentence of up to 25 years in prison, though actual sentences in federal cases are often significantly shorter under sentencing guidelines.

The report at the center of the controversy remains largely hidden from public view.

The volume reportedly focuses on Smith’s investigation into classified documents found at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence after he left office. That investigation became one of Smith’s two major prosecutions against Trump during the 2024 election cycle.

Smith, appointed as special counsel in late 2022, led the federal government’s aggressive legal campaign against Trump. Beyond the Mar-a-Lago documents case, he also spearheaded the federal election interference prosecution tied to Trump’s challenges to the 2020 election results.

Trump repeatedly blasted Smith as politically motivated and accused the Biden-era Justice Department of weaponizing federal law enforcement against him. His supporters argued that prosecutors were applying legal standards differently to Trump than to political allies and opponents.

The classified documents case eventually suffered major setbacks after Judge Aileen Cannon ruled that Smith’s appointment as special counsel violated constitutional requirements, throwing the future of the prosecution into uncertainty. Cannon also barred public release of the report volume involved in the current Lineberger case.

Now, the strange allegations involving hidden “cake recipe” file names are creating another unexpected chapter in the long-running legal and political saga surrounding Smith’s investigations of Trump.

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Vanessa Trump Announces Cancer Diagnosis

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Madeleine Jackson
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The White House, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Former Trump family member Vanessa Trump revealed Wednesday that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer, prompting an outpouring of support from relatives, friends, and supporters connected to President Donald Trump’s extended family circle.

The 48-year-old former model and television personality shared the news in an emotional Instagram statement, describing the diagnosis as an unexpected challenge while emphasizing that she remains optimistic.

“I’ve recently been diagnosed with breast cancer,” Vanessa wrote. “While this isn’t news anyone expects, I’m working closely with my medical team on a treatment plan.”

Vanessa also revealed that doctors performed a procedure earlier this week, though she did not provide additional details regarding the nature of the procedure or the stage of her diagnosis. She said she is relying heavily on her family and close loved ones as she begins treatment.

“I am staying focused and hopeful while surrounded by the love and support of my family, my kids, and those closest to me,” she wrote.

Vanessa concluded the statement by thanking supporters for their encouragement and asking for privacy while she focuses on recovery.

The announcement quickly drew public reactions from members of the Trump family.

President Trump’s daughter, Ivanka Trump, posted a heartfelt response beneath Vanessa’s announcement.

“Praying for your continued strength and a swift recovery. Love you mama,” Ivanka wrote.

Vanessa’s daughter, Kai Trump, also shared an emotional message, calling her mother “the strongest person I know” in a social media tribute that resonated with supporters.

Additional support reportedly came through social media engagement from other members of the Trump family as Vanessa’s announcement spread online.

Vanessa was married to Donald Trump Jr. for more than a decade before the pair divorced in 2018. The former couple share five children together and have largely maintained a cooperative relationship centered around family matters.

In recent years, Vanessa has kept a lower public profile compared to many members of the Trump family. However, she returned to headlines after legendary golfer Tiger Woods publicly confirmed their relationship in 2025. The two have since been seen together at family events and golf-related appearances.

Her diagnosis sparked an immediate wave of support online, with many supporters offering prayers and well wishes as she begins what could be a difficult health battle.

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Boebert Returns To Trump With Tail Between Her Legs

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Madeleine Jackson
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Rep. Lauren Boebert appeared to be making peace with President Donald Trump this week after finding herself in his crosshairs over her support for ousted Rep. Thomas Massie.

Just days after Trump publicly threatened to yank his endorsement and potentially back a primary challenger against her, Boebert was back on social media loudly reaffirming her loyalty.

“Trump is my President! Jesus is Lord!” she posted Tuesday night.

The timing raised eyebrows.

Boebert’s declaration came only hours after Massie — one of Trump’s most outspoken Republican critics in Congress — was defeated in Kentucky’s high-profile GOP primary by Trump-backed challenger Ed Gallrein.

For many Republicans watching the race, the message was hard to miss: crossing Trump can carry a political price.

The blowup started after Boebert traveled to Kentucky to campaign for Massie, a libertarian-leaning conservative who has repeatedly broken with Trump and Republican leadership on spending battles, surveillance issues, foreign policy fights, and the push to release files related to the Jeffrey Epstein case.

Trump did not take kindly to seeing one of his longtime congressional allies standing shoulder-to-shoulder with one of his most frequent internal critics.

“Anybody who can be that dumb deserves a good Primary fight!” Trump wrote over the weekend, before raising the possibility of pulling his own support for Boebert if the “right person” entered the race against her.

For a politician long viewed as one of Trump’s fiercest defenders on Capitol Hill, it was a rare public dressing-down.

Boebert initially tried to shrug off the clash.

“Yes, I saw the President’s post. No, I’m not mad or offended,” she wrote after Trump’s comments. “I knew the risks when I agreed to stand by my friend Thomas Massie.”

But after Massie’s defeat, Boebert’s latest message sounded less like defiance and more like a quick political reset.

The dust-up highlights a reality becoming increasingly clear inside today’s GOP: policy disagreements may come and go, but Trump’s influence over Republican primaries remains a force few lawmakers seem eager to test.

Massie’s defeat already is being viewed by many inside Republican circles as another reminder that even longtime conservatives with strong grassroots support can face serious trouble when Trump decides to make a race personal.

Boebert appears to have gotten that message.

And she didn’t wait long to send one back.

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Trump Ousts Massie — But Supporters Immediately Float a Bigger Comeback

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Madeleine Jackson
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Crowds erupted into chants of “2028” and “President!” Tuesday night as Rep. Thomas Massie delivered a defiant concession speech following his stunning Republican primary defeat — raising fresh questions about whether the longtime Kentucky libertarian could emerge as an outsider figure in the next presidential cycle.

Massie, who represented Kentucky in Congress since 2012, lost his seat to Trump-backed challenger Ed Gallrein in what was widely described as the most expensive House primary race in U.S. history.

The race became a high-profile test of President Donald Trump’s continued grip on the Republican Party, with Trump repeatedly urging supporters to back Gallrein while launching blistering attacks on Massie throughout the campaign.

Trump at one point called Massie a “major sleazebag” and “the worst Republican congressman in history” as tensions between the two escalated over a series of high-profile disagreements.

Massie had increasingly broken with the administration on issues ranging from the “Big Beautiful Bill” and military action to efforts surrounding the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein.

But Tuesday night’s concession speech quickly shifted from political obituary to something closer to a campaign rally.

“Listen, I would’ve come out sooner, but I had to call my opponent and concede,” Massie joked to supporters. “And it took a while to find Ed Gallrein in Tel Aviv.”

The crowd erupted in cheers.

Massie later urged supporters to accept the outcome, telling them his defeat was “God’s will.”

Then someone shouted: “We’re just getting started!”

“I like that,” Massie replied with a smile.

Moments later, the room broke into chants of “2028.”

“What happens in 2028?” Massie asked with a grin.

The crowd immediately answered with another chant:

“President!”

Laughing, Massie played along.

“All right, you’ve made a compelling argument,” he said. “You spoke your piece, but I need a medical margarita first, and we’ll talk about it later.”

Watch via C-SPAN:

Whether the moment was simply a crowd of disappointed supporters refusing to say goodbye — or the earliest hint of a future national movement — remains unclear.

Massie has never publicly indicated interest in a White House run, and his loss Tuesday marked a major political setback. Still, figures who cultivate anti-establishment appeal and challenge party leadership have repeatedly found influence beyond Congress.

For now, Massie may be headed out of Washington. But if the reaction from supporters Tuesday night was any indication, some in his base appear convinced his political story may not be ending — only changing direction.

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GOP Rep. Introduces Bill To Stop Foreign Adversaries From Buying American Homes

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Seijah Drake
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Republican Texas Rep. Chip Roy introduced legislation Tuesday to block foreign adversaries and state sponsors of terrorism from purchasing homes and residential property in the United States.

The bill, obtained exclusively by the Daily Caller, would prohibit foreign adversaries, nationals from designated foreign countries of concern and state sponsors of terrorism from acquiring American housing. It would also require existing property holdings covered under the legislation to be sold within two years to American citizens.

Roy said the legislation is intended to prevent hostile foreign powers from gaining influence over American land and housing markets while many Americans struggle with rising housing costs.

“American homes belong to American families — not the Chinese Communist Party, foreign Islamists, or our geopolitical foes,” Roy told the Daily Caller.

“While Americans struggle to afford housing, hostile regimes are buying up our land and neighborhoods,” Roy said. “This bill slams the door on foreign adversaries owning American housing and forces them to sell what they already control. We’re putting America’s homes back in American hands.”

The proposal comes amid growing concern among congressional Republicans over foreign ownership of American land, particularly purchases linked to Chinese investors and entities associated with the Chinese Communist Party.

According to a U.S. Department of Agriculture report, foreign ownership of American land totaled nearly 46 million acres at the end of 2024, representing more than $86 billion in value.

Documents reviewed by the Daily Caller indicate that as much as 338,000 acres owned by foreign adversaries could become subject to forced divestiture under Roy’s legislation, totaling an estimated $1.1 billion in property value.

Texas — Roy’s home state — has become one of the focal points in the debate over foreign land ownership.

The USDA report found that non-Americans own more than 5.6 million acres across Texas. Under Roy’s proposal, properties in 20 Texas counties totaling roughly 124,000 acres could potentially be required to change ownership.

Roy and other Republicans have repeatedly raised alarms about Chinese-linked land purchases near military installations, critical infrastructure and growing residential developments.

One Texas development cited by the Daily Caller reportedly spans 342 acres zoned for residential and commercial use, with roughly 70% allegedly tied to Chinese Communist Party-linked investors.

Another property linked to Chinese ownership reportedly stretches across more than 123,000 acres in 15 Texas counties and is estimated to be worth approximately $900 million, according to USDA figures.

Several Republican-led states, including Florida and Texas, have already pursued or enacted laws limiting property ownership by citizens or entities connected to adversarial foreign governments.

Supporters of such measures argue they are necessary for national security, food security and economic sovereignty, especially as geopolitical tensions between the United States and China continue escalating.

Roy’s legislation additionally reflects growing Republican focus on housing affordability as broader economic concerns remain central heading into the 2026 election cycle.

The issue also intersects with the national debate over birthright citizenship, which is currently being litigated before the Supreme Court.

Critics of current birthright citizenship policy have pointed to reports over the years of Chinese nationals traveling to the United States specifically to give birth — sometimes referred to as “birth tourism” — in order to secure automatic American citizenship for their children. Federal authorities have previously investigated businesses accused of helping wealthy foreign nationals coordinate such operations, including arranging housing, medical care and travel logistics for expectant mothers entering the United States.

Others have raised the alarm over reports involving foreign nationals paying American surrogates to carry and deliver children in the United States, after which the children obtain citizenship and are then taken back to China shortly after birth.

Supporters of stricter immigration and property ownership laws argue such arrangements could create long-term loopholes allowing foreign adversaries, including those tied to the CCP, to maintain indirect or proxy influence over American land and assets.

This article originally appeared on American Liberty News. Republished with permission.

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JD Vance Confirms DOJ Is Probing Squad Democrat For Immigration Fraud

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Rep. Ilhan Omar may again face scrutiny from the Justice Department after Vice President JD Vance said Tuesday that federal authorities are examining allegations tied to the Minnesota Democrat’s immigration history.

Speaking during a White House press briefing while filling in for Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Vance was asked by Daily Caller White House correspondent Reagan Reese whether Omar could ultimately face an indictment.

“I don’t want to prejudge an investigation,” Vance said. “You read the things about Ilhan Omar, and about who she married, and whether she didn’t marry this person or that person. It certainly seems like something fishy is there. But everyone is entitled to equal justice under the laws.”

Vance added that the administration intends to review the matter and pursue legal action only if investigators determine a crime occurred.

“We’re going to investigate it, we’re going to take a look at it. If we think there’s a crime, we’re going to prosecute that crime, and that’s something that the Department of Justice is looking at right now,” he said.

The comments revive longstanding controversy surrounding Omar and allegations that she participated in an immigration-related scheme involving a former marriage. Omar has repeatedly denied those claims, and no public evidence has proven them.

According to reports cited by Fox News and The New York Times, the Justice Department under former President Joe Biden opened an investigation into Omar in 2024 that examined campaign expenditures, personal finances and alleged contacts with a non-U.S. citizen. However, individuals familiar with internal discussions reportedly said investigators did not uncover evidence warranting additional action, and the probe eventually stalled.

Vance had previously raised the issue publicly. During a March podcast appearance with conservative commentator Benny Johnson, he claimed he had discussed potential legal action involving Omar with White House immigration adviser Stephen Miller. (RELATED: Vance Says Administration Reviewing Action Against Rep. Ilhan Omar)

“We think Ilhan Omar definitely committed immigration fraud against the United States of America,” Vance said at the time.

Omar, who was born in Somalia, came to the United States with her family after they were granted asylum in 1995 and became a naturalized citizen in 2000.

The allegations center on Omar’s past relationships and claims from critics that she legally married a man named Ahmed Elmi in 2009 as part of an immigration arrangement. Omar has denied allegations that Elmi was her brother and has repeatedly dismissed the accusations as false and politically motivated.

In December, Omar pushed back against renewed criticism on social media, calling the allegations “bigoted lies” and accusing former President Donald Trump of repeatedly targeting her.

“He needs serious help,” Omar wrote at the time. “Since he has no economic policies to tout, he’s resorting to regurgitating bigoted lies instead.”

Vance reiterated Tuesday that investigators would ultimately follow the evidence.

“If we think that there’s a crime, we’re going to prosecute that crime,” he said.

This article originally appeared on American Liberty News. Republished with permission.

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Republicans Question Trump Over $1.8B DOJ ‘Anti-Weaponization’ Fund

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Madeleine Jackson
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0
The White House, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

President Trump’s newly created “Anti-Weaponization Fund” is already triggering backlash on Capitol Hill, including from some Republicans, as critics question whether the unprecedented program could become a vehicle for rewarding political allies under the banner of correcting alleged government abuses.

The Department of Justice announced Monday that it would establish a $1.776 billion compensation fund designed to provide relief for individuals who claim they were wrongfully targeted by the federal government under the Biden administration.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the fund is intended to create a formal process for people who believe they were victims of government “weaponization” or “lawfare.”

“The machinery of government should never be weaponized against any American, and it is this Department’s intention to make right the wrongs that were previously done while ensuring this never happens again,” Blanche said in a DOJ statement. “As part of this settlement, we are setting up a lawful process for victims of lawfare and weaponization to be heard and seek redress.”

According to the DOJ, the fund will be authorized to issue both formal apologies and financial compensation to approved claimants. The department stated that there is “no partisan requirement” to file claims, and any unspent funds will eventually return to the federal government.

The five-member commission overseeing the fund will be appointed by the DOJ, with one member selected in consultation with congressional leadership. President Trump will also retain the authority to remove members and appoint replacements through the attorney general.

Exactly who qualifies for compensation remains unclear.

The administration has not outlined specific eligibility standards, nor has it identified who may ultimately benefit from the program. Questions have also surfaced regarding whether individuals charged in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot — including those later pardoned or whose sentences were commuted by Trump — could receive compensation.

Asked Monday whether Jan. 6 defendants could potentially benefit, Trump deferred to the commission.

“I didn’t do this deal,” Trump told reporters. “It was told to me yesterday.”

The new program emerged from a settlement involving Trump’s now-withdrawn $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS. Trump sued the agency after a contractor leaked portions of his tax records to media outlets.

As part of the agreement, Trump, his family members and the Trump Organization reportedly will receive no direct monetary damages and instead accepted a formal apology while withdrawing multiple legal claims, including administrative complaints tied to the Mar-a-Lago investigation and allegations surrounding the Russia investigation.

The DOJ defended the structure of the fund by pointing to the Obama-era Keepseagle v. Vilsack settlement, “where the Obama administration created a $760 million fund to redress various claims alleging racism against the federal government over a period of decades.”

But critics argue the comparison does not hold up.

Joseph Sellers, an attorney involved in the Keepseagle case, told CNN the situations are fundamentally different.

“That really is the critical issue,” Sellers said. “You have to serve the same community whose interests were at stake in the litigation that was brought.”

The administration’s rollout has also generated rare public resistance from Republicans.

According to Mediaite, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) criticized the proposal on Tuesday.

“Yeah, not a big fan,” Thune told reporters. “I’m not sure exactly how they intend to use it. … But yeah, I don’t see a purpose for it.”

Mediaite also reported that Sen. John Kennedy (R- La.) expressed skepticism while saying he remained open to the concept.

“I need to know where the money is going to come from. I need to know who would qualify. I need to know the definition of weaponization. I need to know who’s been weaponized against?” Kennedy said Monday.

Democrats have gone considerably further in their criticism.

A group of 93 House Democrats filed an amicus brief seeking to block the settlement, arguing that it violates constitutional requirements and improperly redirects taxpayer money.

Separately, Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) condemned the fund as “a racket” intended to channel taxpayer dollars toward Trump allies.

The issue also surfaced during a Senate Appropriations hearing Tuesday, where Sen. Chris Coons (D-Ct.) pressed Blanche over the unusual nature of the settlement arrangement.

Coons noted that no previous president had sued his own administration and then settled the case while serving in office.

Blanche pushed back on suggestions that Trump directed the process and rejected comparisons between the underlying litigation and the Keepseagle case, arguing that only the commission structure itself was similar.

Still, when Coons asked whether Trump campaign donors could ultimately receive payments from the fund, Blanche declined to provide assurances.

“I am not committing to anything beyond the settlement agreement itself,” Blanche said. “They are not excluded from seeking compensation if they are recognized.”

With the fund’s eligibility standards still undefined and its commission not yet assembled, many of the biggest questions surrounding who receives compensation — and whether political allies of the president could benefit — remain unanswered.

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