Trump Faces GOP Pushback Over $1.8 Billion Fund for Political Persecution Claims

6 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 23

$1.8 billion is at the center of a new backlash to Trump's proposed fund for people claiming political persecution, with criticism now coming from Republicans as well as opponents.
The plan could channel taxpayer money to Jan. 6 rioters through what critics describe as a political slush fund or "reparations for rioters," making it especially volatile ahead of the November midterms.
Trump had already defended the proposal earlier this week despite weak polling and broader political blowback, signaling he would not retreat from the idea.
The dispute is emerging as a test of Trump's grip on his party, with allies warning the fund could become one of his biggest political miscalculations before the elections.

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