politics

Trump, who claimed he "wasn't involved" in creation of "anti-weaponization" fund, now says he allowed it

Washington — President Trump on Friday defended the Justice Department's new $1.7 billion "anti-weaponization" fund and said he had "allowed" it to go forward, just days after the president asserted he was not involved in its creation.

Trump, who claimed he "wasn't involved" in creation of "anti-weaponization" fund, now says he allowed it

TL;DR

  • President Trump now says he "allowed" the Justice Department's $1.7 billion "anti-weaponization" fund to go forward.
  • This statement follows his earlier claims of not being involved in the fund's creation or negotiation.
  • Trump asserts he forfeited a potential large settlement from his IRS lawsuit to help others he believes were targeted by the Biden administration.
  • The "anti-weaponization" fund is intended to provide a process for redressing claims of "weaponization and lawfare."
  • Senate Republicans have expressed concerns about who might receive payments from the fund, including individuals pardoned by Trump after the Jan. 6 attack.
  • Michael Cohen, Michael Caputo, and Enrique Tarrio have indicated they may seek compensation from the fund.
  • Under the settlement of Trump's IRS lawsuit, he and his sons will receive a formal apology but no monetary damages, and the IRS is barred from pursuing claims related to previously filed tax returns.