Blanche Calls Trump's $1.8 Billion Payout Fund Unusual in Testimony
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 22
Blanche Calls Trump's $1.8 Billion Payout Fund Unusual in Testimony
14 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 22
Todd Blanche told Congress the Trump administration's $1.8 billion fund for alleged political persecution victims was "unusual," undercutting White House claims that the arrangement was routine.
Blanche cited a $760 million 2010 Keepseagle settlement as the closest comparison, but acknowledged there were no other examples of a president suing his own government and settling before court review.
The fund grew out of a deal between Trump's personal lawyers and government lawyers over leaked tax records, and critics say it could channel taxpayer money to Trump's allies.
Republican senators have revolted against the plan while Democrats have branded it a "slush fund," even as some pardoned Jan. 6 defendants and other Trump supporters welcomed the potential payouts.
How will the $1.8 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' operate without any judicial oversight?