Michael Cohen Seeks DOJ's $1.776 Billion Fund as Trump Critics Test New Claims Process
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · May 21
Michael Cohen Seeks DOJ's $1.776 Billion Fund as Trump Critics Test New Claims Process
7 articles · Updated · CBS New York · May 21
Michael Cohen said he will submit a claim to the Justice Department's new $1.776 billion "anti-weaponization fund," making him one of the first known Trump critics to pursue compensation.
Cohen argues the same government misconduct alleged in Trump's tax-return leak lawsuit also damaged him, costing his law license, businesses, finances, family life and reputation.
The fund was created this week through a Trump-DOJ settlement over leaked IRS tax returns; the department says a five-member panel appointed by the attorney general will decide claims and that no partisan test applies.
Most early interest has come from Trump allies, including Michael Caputo's $2.7 million request, while ethics watchdogs have attacked the fund as self-dealing and DOJ says it addresses years of alleged weaponization.
What criteria will a government panel use to award $1.776 billion to victims of a 'weaponized' justice system?
How can the executive branch create a $1.776 billion compensation fund without specific approval from Congress?