Trump Administration Announces $1.776 Billion Fund for Supporters, Sparking Controversy in Washington
The U.S. Department of Justice on Monday announced the creation of a $1.776 billion compensation fund intended for allies of President Donald Trump who claim they were unfairly targeted during the previous administration.
The move, which has already drawn intense political backlash, would allow individuals linked to the Trump political circle to file claims for reimbursement over alleged political persecution, including costs tied to long-running investigations and prosecutions related to the Russia probe and the January 6 Capitol riot cases.
The fund, described by officials as an “anti-weaponization” initiative, is being set up under the Trump-led administration and will be managed through a commission whose members are yet to be announced. According to the Justice Department, the president will have the authority to remove members of the commission if necessary.
Officials said there are no partisan restrictions on filing claims, and applications will be accepted until December 15, 2028, just before the end of Trump’s second term.
President Trump defended the decision, saying those eligible for compensation were “treated brutally” and deserved to be reimbursed for legal costs and related damages.
“This is reimbursing people that were horribly treated,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “They’re getting reimbursed for their legal fees and the other things that they had to suffer.”
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche also backed the initiative, stating that the goal was to correct what he described as past “weaponization” of government institutions and to ensure it does not happen again.
Critics, however, have strongly condemned the move, calling it a misuse of public funds and a potential conflict of interest. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer described the initiative as “depraved,” accusing Trump of using government power to reward political allies.
“This is one of the most corrupt things we’ve seen,” Schumer said, warning that legal challenges were likely.
Watchdog groups also raised concerns, arguing that the arrangement resembles a political compensation scheme funded by taxpayers and lacking clear safeguards against abuse.
The announcement comes shortly after Trump dropped a separate $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS, which had alleged improper handling and leaking of his tax records. Trump himself is not expected to receive any direct payments from the new fund, though officials confirmed he will be issued a formal apology from the Justice Department.
A commission of five members will oversee the claims process, and the DOJ says it will continue reviewing applications until the deadline.
Legal experts say the structure of the fund is likely to face immediate court challenges, with questions already emerging over its constitutionality and the separation of powers.
As debate intensifies in Washington, the proposal has further deepened political divisions, with supporters praising it as long-overdue justice, while opponents call it an unprecedented use of government authority for political redress.
