President Trump\u2019s newly created \u201cAnti-Weaponization Fund\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said<\/a> the fund is intended to create a formal process for people who believe they were victims of government “weaponization” or “lawfare.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe machinery of government should never be weaponized against any American, and it is this Department\u2019s intention to make right the wrongs that were previously done while ensuring this never happens again,\u201d Blanche said in a DOJ statement<\/a>. \u201cAs part of this settlement, we are setting up a lawful process for victims of lawfare and weaponization to be heard and seek redress.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n 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 \u201cno partisan requirement\u201d to file claims, and any unspent funds will eventually return to the federal government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Exactly who qualifies for compensation remains unclear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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 \u2014 including those later pardoned or whose sentences were commuted by Trump \u2014 could receive compensation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Asked Monday whether Jan. 6 defendants could potentially benefit, Trump deferred to the commission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI didn\u2019t do this deal,\u201d Trump told reporters. \u201cIt was told to me yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The DOJ defended the structure of the fund by pointing to the Obama-era Keepseagle v. Vilsack settlement, \u201cwhere the\u00a0Obama\u00a0administration created a $760 million fund to redress various claims alleging racism against the federal government over a period of decades.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n But critics argue the comparison does not hold up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Joseph Sellers, an attorney involved in the Keepseagle case, told<\/a> CNN the situations are fundamentally different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThat really is the critical issue,\u201d Sellers said. \u201cYou have to serve the same community whose interests were at stake in the litigation that was brought.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n The administration’s rollout has also generated rare public resistance from Republicans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Mediaite<\/a>, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) criticized the proposal on Tuesday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYeah, not a big fan,\u201d Thune told reporters. \u201cI\u2019m not sure exactly how they intend to use it. … But yeah, I don\u2019t see a purpose for it.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n
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