DOJ's $1.776 billion Trump-friendly compensation fund faces criticism

The Department of Justice, or DOJ, announced the creation of a $1.776 billion taxpayer-funded compensation fund for President Donald Trump's allies, including Jan. 6 rioters, who claim political targeting by previous administrations.

Trump, his sons Donald Jr. and Eric, and the Trump Organization agreed to drop their $10 billion IRS lawsuit in exchange for the fund's establishment, which will operate with minimal oversight or transparency. The settlement came after a judge questioned whether a valid case existed, given Trump's control of the Justice Department.

Critics characterized the arrangement as a "slush fund" and potential theft of taxpayer money.

"Democrats should be saying anybody who takes this stolen money will see the government coming after them to claw it back," demanded election law expert Andy Craig.

Journalist Philip Bump questioned whether funds would primarily benefit Trump's wealthy allies rather than Jan. 6 participants.

"As Jamie Raskin also tells me here, if Dems take back one or both chambers of Congress, they will shut down the slush fund, and use oversight power to compel release of a list of any/all payments made between now and 2027," reported Greg Sargent for The New Republic.

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