Trump Allies Pursue 1946 Claims Law for Payouts After $1.8 Billion Fund Dies
Updated
Updated · Reuters · Jun 12
Trump Allies Pursue 1946 Claims Law for Payouts After $1.8 Billion Fund Dies
3 articles · Updated · Reuters · Jun 12
Summary
Trump allies are shifting to the Federal Tort Claims Act as the likeliest route to compensate supporters, including some January 6 defendants, after the Justice Department abandoned the proposed $1.8 billion "weaponization" fund.
The 1946 law lets claimants seek administrative settlements or sue the government, and legal experts say it is more flexible and politically viable because payouts could come through the permanent Judgment Fund rather than a new congressional pot.
Hundreds of Capitol riot defendants have already filed claims, at least 10 have sued, and lawyer Peter Ticktin said he represents more than 400 claimants seeking millions of dollars.
Stanley Woodward, the Justice Department's No. 3 official, said the fund is "dead" but people can still sue; the White House said there are no new announcements even as Trump said on Sunday that "many" supporters should be compensated.
The approach could let the government settle before a judge is assigned, though former Justice Department official Rupa Bhattacharyya said paying January 6 claims would be a "travesty" despite likely fitting the law's text.
What precedent do these settlements create for future government liability in mass protests?
How can an 80-year-old law be used to pay billions in claims without new congressional approval?
What safeguards exist when a president has personal claims reviewed by their own administration?
After Court Blocks $1.8 Billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund," Trump Allies Seek Payouts via Federal Tort Claims Act
Overview
A federal court order on June 12, 2026, blocked the Trump administration’s $1.8 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund,' following concerns that it bypassed constitutional safeguards and proper oversight. This decision, celebrated as a victory for the rule of law, led to the Justice Department abandoning the fund amid bipartisan backlash. In response, Trump’s allies quickly shifted their strategy to seek compensation through the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), using an established legal pathway to pursue payouts for those claiming to be unfairly targeted. This pivot highlights ongoing debates over government accountability and the use of federal funds for politically sensitive cases.