Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump purchased stock on same day as public company praise — President Trump made thousands of stock trades in 2026, according to a new financial disclosure. Popular Information's investigation found that several stock purchases coincided with Trump's public praise of those companies or visits to their facilities. For example, Trump purchased between $15,000 and $50,000 in Thermo Fisher stock on the same day he visited one of the company's facilities, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest and self-dealing.

Supporting reports

• Todd Blanche held a closed-door meeting with Republican Senate leadership to address concerns about a $1.8 billion DOJ "weaponization fund" designed to compensate Trump allies and January 6 defendants, resulting in significant GOP opposition and procedural delays. — White House Counsel Todd Blanche met with Senate Republicans for nearly two hours to defend a $1.8 billion DOJ fund intended to compensate individuals deemed victims of political "weaponization," including January 6 Capitol riot defendants and Trump associates. The meeting was reportedly hostile, with as many as 25 GOP senators speaking in opposition. Multiple Republican senators publicly criticized the fund as fiscally irresponsible, legally unprecedented, and damaging to party electoral prospects. The controversy delayed completion of the reconciliation bill, with Senate leadership announcing a recess until June. Senators proposed conditions including restrictions on who could receive payouts and oversight of fund administration.
• Republican senators meet with acting attorney general over slush fund — Republican senators held a nearly two-hour meeting with acting attorney general Todd Blanche to express opposition to the slush fund and immunity agreement. Senators reported the meeting was "incredibly hostile." Republicans stated they had received no advance warning, questioned the legal basis for the fund, objected to Blanche's explanations of payment mechanisms, and declared they wanted no involvement. As many as 25 Republican senators spoke against the fund and proposed limits on it.
• Multiple Republican senators publicly opposed the $1.8 billion DOJ weaponization fund, with Sen. Thom Tillis warning the fund could damage GOP electoral prospects and Sen. Mitch McConnell calling it "morally wrong." — Republican senators including Thom Tillis, Bill Cassidy, Mitch McConnell, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Rand Paul, and John Curtis publicly criticized the $1.8 billion DOJ fund. Tillis warned that White House indifference to electoral consequences was "stupid" and would harm the president. McConnell called the fund "utterly stupid, morally wrong." Cassidy noted Americans prioritize basic needs over funding for presidential allies. Collins stated she opposed reimbursing individuals convicted of violence against police on January 6. Murkowski described the fund as a disruption to planned reconciliation efforts. Paul called the arrangement "unprecedented." Curtis expressed dissatisfaction with Blanche's explanations. One GOP senator texted that "our majority is melting down before our eyes."
• Senate Republicans Oppose Trump’s Anti-Weaponization Fund — Senate Republicans are in open revolt against President Trump's $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund, leading to the collapse of their own reconciliation bill. The fund, perceived as a slush fund, has caused significant division within the party, prompting Senate Majority Leader John Thune to send senators home until June. This internal conflict highlights the challenges facing the Republican Party in maintaining unity.
• Todd Blanche met with Republican senators over $1.8 billion criminal slush fund — Attorney General Todd Blanche met with Republican senators to discuss Trump's $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund. Sen. Ted Cruz described the meeting as having "fireworks at an epic level" and "one of the roughest meetings" he had seen in the Senate, with senators "screaming at the AG." The fund has been the subject of intense criticism from GOP senators over its purpose and implementation.

Supporting reports

• Senate Democrats block White House ballroom funding in reconciliation bill — Democrats blocked a Republican attempt to insert $1 billion in funding for security measures related to a ballroom Trump intends to build on the site of the former East Wing of the White House. Democrats noted that Republicans failed to provide required instructions to relevant committees. The Senate parliamentarian agreed the request could not be included in a budget reconciliation measure, and Senate Republicans removed the item.
• US Senate blocks ICE funding bill over Trump ballroom and slush fund provisions — Senate Republicans abandoned a $70bn immigration and border patrol funding bill ahead of a 1 June deadline after backlash over attempts to attach $1bn in White House ballroom security funding and a $1.776bn "anti-weaponization" slush fund tied to a Trump lawsuit settlement. Democrats pledged to force public votes on the ballroom provision. Trump claimed the ballroom was a national security measure and warned the White House would be insecure without the funds.

Supporting reports

• Trump delays military assault on Iran at request of Saudi, Emirati, and Qatari leaders — Trump stated that the U.S. military was ready to launch a "full, large scale assault" on Iran on short notice but delayed the attack at the request of leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. The article notes that Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law involved in Iran negotiations, receives tens of millions of dollars annually from a Saudi investment fund controlled by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This raises questions about potential conflicts of interest influencing Trump's conduct of the war.

Supporting reports

• DOJ Counsel Todd Blanche announced that the Trump administration has granted the president and his family permanent immunity from IRS-related legal claims, shielding Trump from a potentially $100 million tax liability. — Todd Blanche announced a DOJ settlement that permanently bars the government from pursuing IRS-related claims against Trump, his family, or his businesses. The settlement shields the president from a potentially damaging ruling that could have cost him more than $100 million. The underlying dispute centered on a nearly $73 million tax refund Trump claimed around 2010, based on business losses. The IRS had contended that Trump improperly claimed the same losses twice for his Chicago skyscraper, where he reported losses up to $651 million. Eric Trump previously stated the audit remained active in 2024. Blanche characterized the settlement as routine IRS practice, though critics noted the unprecedented nature of granting a sitting president immunity from tax liability.
• Multiple January 6 defendants and Trump associates announced plans to apply for compensation from the $1.8 billion DOJ weaponization fund, with requests ranging from $2 million to $400 million. — Following announcement of the $1.8 billion DOJ fund for individuals deemed victims of political "weaponization," multiple January 6 defendants and Trump associates announced plans to apply for compensation. Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio, sentenced to 22 years for seditious conspiracy, stated he planned to apply for $2-5 million. Attorney Peter Ticktin, representing over 400 January 6 defendants, indicated $1.8 billion would be insufficient given defendants' claimed losses. Mike Lindell announced plans to claim $400 million for alleged brand and MyPillow losses. Michael Cohen stated he drafted a letter applying for compensation. Other January 6 participants announced claims ranging from $30 million to unspecified amounts. The applications highlight the fund's unprecedented nature and the scale of claimed damages.
• Todd Blanche held a closed-door meeting with Republican Senate leadership to address concerns about a $1.8 billion DOJ "weaponization fund" designed to compensate Trump allies and January 6 defendants, resulting in significant GOP opposition and procedural delays. — White House Counsel Todd Blanche met with Senate Republicans for nearly two hours to defend a $1.8 billion DOJ fund intended to compensate individuals deemed victims of political "weaponization," including January 6 Capitol riot defendants and Trump associates. The meeting was reportedly hostile, with as many as 25 GOP senators speaking in opposition. Multiple Republican senators publicly criticized the fund as fiscally irresponsible, legally unprecedented, and damaging to party electoral prospects. The controversy delayed completion of the reconciliation bill, with Senate leadership announcing a recess until June. Senators proposed conditions including restrictions on who could receive payouts and oversight of fund administration.
• Speaker Mike Johnson reportedly refused to attend an emergency Oval Office meeting with Trump regarding the weaponization fund controversy, marking a potential first instance of Johnson declining a direct presidential summons. — Trump called Speaker Mike Johnson to an emergency Oval Office meeting to discuss the weaponization fund controversy. According to four aides familiar with the meeting, Johnson refused to attend, potentially marking the first time the Speaker has declined a direct presidential request. A Johnson aide subsequently denied the report. The incident reflects tension between the White House and House leadership over the fund's political viability and fiscal impact.
• Todd Blanche met with Republican senators over $1.8 billion criminal slush fund — Attorney General Todd Blanche met with Republican senators to discuss Trump's $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund. Sen. Ted Cruz described the meeting as having "fireworks at an epic level" and "one of the roughest meetings" he had seen in the Senate, with senators "screaming at the AG." The fund has been the subject of intense criticism from GOP senators over its purpose and implementation.
• Marjorie Taylor Greene predicted Trump will cancel 2028 election — Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene appeared on Alex Jones's podcast and predicted that Trump will cancel the 2028 election, referencing comments Trump made to Zelensky about suspending elections during wartime. Greene expressed concern that Trump's repeated statements about staying in power after 2028 are designed to normalize the idea and test public reaction. She stated that canceling elections during wartime would be unconstitutional and unacceptable.
• Trump announced $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund — Trump posted that he established a $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund to help those "badly abused" by the Biden administration. Trump claimed he gave up significant money by allowing the fund to go forward, stating he could have settled his own cases for "an absolute fortune" but chose instead to help others receive "justice."

Supporting reports

• Commission of Fine Arts approves designs for 250ft Trump arch in Washington — The US Commission of Fine Arts, composed of Trump appointees, voted to approve designs for a proposed 250-foot triumphal arch ("Arc de Trump") to be built near Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC. The approval marks a key procedural step; the design will next be reviewed by the National Capital Planning Commission. A group of military veterans and historic preservationists has sued to block construction, arguing the structure lacks congressional approval and would disrupt Arlington's symbolic integrity.
• Commission of Fine Arts approved design for Trump triumphal arch — The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, composed entirely of Trump appointees, approved the design plan for a 250-foot triumphal arch Trump wants built on Memorial Circle between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. The commissioners approved the project despite receiving more than 600 letters of public opposition. The project still requires review by another federal panel before construction can proceed.

Supporting reports

• Trump dismisses economic impact of Iran War as "peanuts" despite $43.6 billion in additional fuel costs — President Trump stated that high gas prices caused by the Iran War amount to "peanuts" and said he does not consider Americans' financial situations when negotiating with Iran. According to The Iran War Energy Cost Tracker at Brown University, the conflict has caused Americans to spend an additional $43.6 billion on fuel costs, with the average U.S. household paying an extra $331 in combined gasoline and diesel expenses. Trump doubled down on earlier comments dismissing the economic burden, saying it was worth paying "a little more" for gasoline to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
• Trump minimized Iran War fuel-cost impact despite $43.6 billion in household expenses — President Trump compared high gas prices caused by the Iran War to "peanuts," downplaying their economic impact. However, according to Brown University's Iran War Energy Cost Tracker, Americans have spent an extra $43.6 billion on fuel costs due to the Iran War, with each U.S. household paying over $330 in additional costs across gasoline and diesel.
• Trump delays military assault on Iran at request of Saudi, Emirati, and Qatari leaders — Trump stated that the U.S. military was ready to launch a "full, large scale assault" on Iran on short notice but delayed the attack at the request of leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. The article notes that Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law involved in Iran negotiations, receives tens of millions of dollars annually from a Saudi investment fund controlled by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This raises questions about potential conflicts of interest influencing Trump's conduct of the war.

Supporting reports

• Trump promotes unregulated online casino after $1 million Super PAC donation from Stake co-owner — Trump repeatedly promoted Stake, an unregulated online casino operating illegally according to state gambling regulators, on Truth Social on April 9, May 8, and twice on May 20, 2026, featuring AI-generated images of himself, UFC CEO Dana White, and the Stake logo. The promotion occurred shortly after Bijan Tehrani, Stake's co-owner and a named defendant in a California lawsuit alleging illegal gambling operations, donated $1 million to MAGA Inc. on April 27, 2026. Stake.us faces more than a dozen lawsuits and is blocked in at least 17 states.
• Trump promotes unregulated online casino on Truth Social following $1 million super PAC donation — President Trump repeatedly promoted Stake, an unregulated online casino that state gambling regulators say is operating illegally, on Truth Social in posts on April 9, May 8, and twice on May 20. According to Federal Election Commission filings, Stake co-owner and co-founder Bijan Tehrani donated $1 million to MAGA Inc., Trump's primary super PAC, on April 27—between Trump's promotional posts. The timing and pattern suggest a quid pro quo arrangement.
• Reynolds American donated $5 million to Trump super PAC before favorable vape policy — Tobacco company Reynolds American donated $5 million to Trump's super PAC one week before the Trump administration introduced a new policy allowing Reynolds American and other companies to sell flavored vapes. The timing suggests a potential quid pro quo arrangement between a corporate donor and favorable regulatory treatment.

Supporting reports

• Representative Raskin introduces legislation to prohibit taxpayer-funded settlement slush funds — Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD) introduced the "No Taxpayer-Funded Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2026" in the House, which would prohibit the use of federal funds to pay off anyone claiming to have faced "weaponization" of the law by the federal government, including January 6 rioters. Raskin stated Congress must reassert control over federal spending to prevent what he characterized as "brazen looting of taxpayer funds."
• Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Tom Suozzi (D-NY) drafted bipartisan legislation to eliminate the $1.8 billion DOJ weaponization fund and signaled intent to use discharge petition procedures to bypass House leadership if necessary. — Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick and Tom Suozzi drafted legislation to kill the $1.8 billion DOJ fund created to compensate Trump allies and January 6 defendants. Fitzpatrick sent questions to DOJ Counsel Todd Blanche seeking details about fund eligibility and administration. The representatives indicated they would pursue discharge petition procedures to bring the bill to a House floor vote, circumventing Speaker Mike Johnson's expected opposition. Fitzpatrick has previously used discharge petitions to pass bipartisan bills over GOP leadership objections. The effort reflects bipartisan concern about the fund's legality and fiscal impact.

Supporting reports

• Stanley Woodward Jr. signs settlement agreement on behalf of the United States — Stanley E. Woodward Jr., a defense attorney who has represented Trump associates including FBI Director Kash Patel, Trump trade advisor Peter Navarro, Walt Nauta, and numerous January 6 defendants, signed the settlement agreement on behalf of the United States rather than Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. Woodward's representation of Trump's orbit creates a conflict of interest in negotiating an agreement purportedly on behalf of the government.
• Treasury Department's top lawyer Brian Morrissey resigns — Brian Morrissey, the Treasury Department's top lawyer, resigned following the announcement of the Trump administration's agreement with the IRS regarding the $1.776 billion fund.
• Treasury Department general counsel resigned amid Trump settlement announcement — Brian Morrissey, the Treasury Department's general counsel and a former clerk for Justice Clarence Thomas, resigned as the government announced a controversial settlement with Trump. Morrissey, who joined the Trump administration last year as the president's pick for the position after previously serving at the agency and DOJ during Trump's first term, did not respond to requests for comment. The Treasury Department holds responsibility for approving use of the government's judgment fund, an uncapped pot of money used to settle lawsuits.

Supporting reports

• DOJ issued order permanently barring federal government from pursuing tax claims against Trump and affiliated entities — Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed an order stating that the federal government is permanently barred from pursuing tax-related claims, reviews, examinations, and appeals against Trump, his family members, and affiliated companies. The order uses language stating the US "RELEASES, WAIVES, ACQUITS, and FOREVER DISCHARGES" Trump and is "FOREVER BARRED and PRECLUDED" from pursuing monetary relief or other actions against Trump and related individuals, including family members, trusts, and subsidiaries.
• Trump granted permanent immunity from IRS tax investigations and prosecution — Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed off on a provision in Trump's settlement that permanently prohibits the IRS from investigating or prosecuting the president, his family, or his businesses for pending tax claims, including a current audit that could have cost Trump more than $100 million. Former IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel stated he was unaware of any precedent where the IRS agreed in advance to permanently forgo examination of previously filed tax returns for a specific person or business.
• Department of Justice amends agreement to release Trump from all IRS prosecution and audits — Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed an amended agreement that declares the United States "RELEASES, WAIVES, ACQUITS, and FOREVER DISCHARGES" Trump, his sons, the Trump Organization, and "related or affiliated individuals" or companies from all IRS claims. The amendment asserts a blanket promise to cease all IRS audits of Trump's taxes and not to prosecute any crimes Trump, his family, businesses, or associates may have committed involving the IRS. This effectively grants Trump immunity from tax prosecution.
• Justice Department amends settlement agreement to permanently bar IRS from auditing Trump's tax returns — The Department of Justice, through acting attorney general Todd Blanche, added an addendum to a settlement agreement on May 20, 2026, permanently barring the IRS from auditing Donald Trump's past tax returns, as well as those of his family, company, and related entities for all filings prior to the agreement. This amendment was appended to a controversial $1.776 billion compensation fund created to settle Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS and other government claims. The provision was posted quietly to the DOJ website the day after the fund's announcement and drew immediate criticism from Senate Democrats during Blanche's testimony.

Supporting reports

• Trump holds press event at Golden Ballroom construction site — U.S. President Donald Trump held a chaotic press event outside the construction site of his planned Golden Ballroom in Washington, D.C. During the event, Trump claimed that the building would protect all of Washington, D.C., and boasted that the ballroom roof would host snipers with a clear view of the city. The event highlights Trump's focus on personal projects amid ongoing national and international issues.
• Trump presented ballroom construction project to press — Trump conducted a lengthy presentation to the press at a ballroom construction site, emphasizing the building's security features and architectural significance. Trump described the structure as featuring a drone-proof flat roof with strong steel, titanium fencing around the White House, impenetrable steel and glass walls with 4-inch-thick glass, and design elements modeled after classical buildings from around the world. Trump stated "There will never be another building like this built" and emphasized the military utility of the structure.
• Trump holds press conference to discuss White House ballroom security features — During the same day Acting Attorney General Blanche testified before Congress regarding the controversial fund, Trump called a sudden, urgent press conference to discuss renovations to the White House ballroom. Trump described extensive security modifications including drone-proofing, missile-proofing, and sniper positions built into the ballroom's height to provide "a very clear view of everything all over Washington," characterizing the White House as a fortified military installation.

Supporting reports

• Trump made 3,642 stock trades in first quarter of 2026 — Financial Times reported that Trump made 3,642 stock trades in the first three months of 2026, according to financial disclosures just released. The bulletin notes this represents significant trading activity during his presidency.
• Trump stock trading while making policy affecting those stocks — Trump bought and sold at least $220 million in stocks including Nvidia, Apple, Tesla, and Microsoft while simultaneously making policy decisions and public announcements that affected the value of those stocks. The trading activity occurred while Trump held the presidency and made decisions directly impacting the companies' regulatory and market conditions.

Supporting reports

• Trump announced plans for "National Garden of American Heroes" in West Potomac Park — Trump announced via social media that he intends to place his "National Garden of American Heroes" in West Potomac Park. He referenced a 22-foot gold statue of himself at his Doral golf club and compared the project to China's Ballroom, stating the U.S. facility would be "the finest facility of its kind anywhere in the U.S.A." with a scheduled opening around September 2028. The announcement came hours after his return from China.
• Freedom 250 planned events showcasing Trump rather than historical themes for 250th anniversary — Freedom 250 planned anniversary celebration events that prioritized showcasing President Trump over significant historical events and themes. Planned events included an IndyCar race around the National Mall, construction of a triumphal arch near the Lincoln Memorial, an Ultimate Fighting Championship event on the White House lawn on Trump's 80th birthday in June, and the "Rededicate 250" evangelical worship event.
• Trump administration created Freedom 250 organization to oversee 250th anniversary celebrations outside congressional oversight — In December 2025, President Trump created Freedom 250, a new organization to manage the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations, bypassing the bipartisan America250 commission established by Congress in 2016. The Trump administration allocated $100 million in federal appropriations to Freedom 250 compared to $50 million to America250. Freedom 250 solicited corporate donations in exchange for access to Trump from sponsors including ExxonMobil, Mastercard, Deloitte, Palantir, and IndyCar, with donors permitted to request anonymity.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration considers settling $10bn IRS lawsuit with $1.7bn compensation fund for allies including January 6 rioters — The Trump administration is reportedly negotiating to settle Trump's $10bn lawsuit against the IRS by establishing a $1.7bn compensation fund using the Treasury Department's Judgment Fund. The fund would compensate individuals Trump claims were wrongfully targeted by the Biden administration, including over 1,500 January 6 rioters. The settlement would also include a public IRS apology and waiver of audits on Trump, his family, and businesses. A federal judge has appointed attorneys to examine whether a genuine legal controversy exists, raising concerns about self-dealing and potential DOJ manipulation.
• Trump withdrew IRS lawsuit; DOJ established $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" from Judgment Fund — Attorneys for President Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, and the Trump Organization filed notice voluntarily dismissing a $10 billion IRS lawsuit in federal court in Miami with prejudice. In exchange, the Justice Department announced creation of a $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" drawn from the federal Judgment Fund to issue apologies and monetary relief to people claiming government "weaponization" or "lawfare." A five-member commission appointed by the Attorney General will decide beneficiaries; the President can remove any member. Quarterly reports go to the Attorney General, not the public. The fund must cease processing claims by December 2028.
• Trump settles IRS lawsuit and establishes $1.8bn anti-weaponization fund — Trump settled his lawsuit against the IRS over the leaking of his tax information by a whistleblower, abandoning his $10bn damages claim in exchange for a financial agreement that allowed him to establish a $1.776bn "anti-weaponization fund." Federal Judge Kathleen Williams approved the settlement on May 18. Critics and Democrats argue the fund functions as a "slush fund" designed to distribute taxpayer dollars to Trump's political allies, including those convicted of violence during the January 6 Capitol riot, whom Trump subsequently pardoned.
• Justice Department announces Anti-Weaponization Fund settlement with Trump entities — The Department of Justice announced establishment of "The Anti-Weaponization Fund" as part of a settlement agreement in President Donald J. Trump v. Internal Revenue Service. The fund, capitalized at $1.776 billion from the judgment fund, will process claims from individuals alleging weaponization or lawfare by government. Trump, his sons, and the Trump Organization agreed to drop their lawsuit with prejudice and withdraw administrative claims related to tax-return leaks, the Mar-a-Lago raid, and Russia-collusion investigations in exchange for a formal apology (but no monetary damages to them personally) and creation of the fund. The fund will cease operations by December 1, 2028.
• DOJ establishes $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" for January 6 defendants and MAGA loyalists — The Department of Justice created a $1.776 billion taxpayer-funded "Anti-Weaponization Fund" designated to provide financial support to January 6th insurrectionists and MAGA loyalists. The fund represents a direct allocation of federal resources to individuals convicted or charged in connection with the Capitol attack, effectively using public money to benefit political allies and those involved in the assault on the Capitol.
• DOJ establishes $1.776 billion fund for January 6 defendants and Trump allies — The Department of Justice, under Attorney General Todd Blanche, announced the creation of a $1.776 billion fund designated "for victims of lawfare and weaponization" to provide monetary relief and formal apologies to claimants. The fund will be administered by a five-member Commission appointed by the Attorney General, with one member chosen in consultation with congressional leadership. The President retains authority to remove any Commission member. The fund is expected to provide payouts to individuals convicted or charged in connection with the January 6 Capitol breach and Trump administration officials.
• DOJ announced Anti-Weaponization Fund eligibility may include January 6 defendants — ABC News and TIME reported before the fund announcement that the proposed $1.776 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund could include people charged in connection with January 6. Reuters notes that "weaponization" and "lawfare" are terms the President and allies have used to describe criminal cases arising from the Capitol attack. The Hill reports that several convicted January 6 defendants have pending civil suits. DOJ has not publicly released eligibility criteria or named beneficiaries.
• DOJ announces $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" as Trump settlement — Trump's Justice Department officially announced the $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" as part of a settlement with Trump in his lawsuit against the Treasury Department and IRS over the leaking of his tax returns. The fund will be overseen by a commission appointed by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, whose members Trump can fire without cause, and will be made available in secret to those claiming wrongful government targeting, potentially including those Trump pardoned for January 6 involvement.
• Trump administration dismisses $10bn IRS lawsuit and establishes $1.776bn secretive compensation fund — The Justice Department announced creation of a $1.776bn "Anti-Weaponization Fund" as part of an agreement in which Trump and his sons dropped a $10bn lawsuit against the IRS. The fund, overseen by five commissioners (four appointed by the attorney general and removable by Trump), will compensate Trump allies with minimal transparency—quarterly reports go only to the attorney general and are confidential. Trump and his sons receive formal apologies but no monetary compensation. Democrats and watchdog groups condemned the arrangement as a slush fund funneling taxpayer dollars to political allies.
• Department of Justice announces $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" to compensate Trump and associates — The Department of Justice, under Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, announced the creation of a $1.776 billion fund purportedly to compensate victims of alleged "weaponization" of the Justice Department under former President Biden. The fund was established following Trump's withdrawal of a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS after a contractor leaked his tax information. Judge Kathleen Williams dismissed the suit, noting no legal settlement existed. The fund is controlled by five administrators, four chosen by Blanche and one in consultation with Congress, all removable by Trump without cause. Distributions are confidential and overseen only by the DOJ. Remaining funds after December 2028 revert to Trump's chosen federal account.
• Creation of $1.776 billion compensation fund for Trump allies with minimal oversight — The Department of Justice announced creation of a $1.776 billion compensation fund on May 19–20, 2026, to settle Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS and other government claims. The fund is administered by five officials subject to at-will removal by the president, operates with minimal transparency requirements, and is not obligated to publicly disclose recipients or justifications for awards. Senate Democrats criticized the arrangement as an "outrageous, unprecedented slush fund." Acting attorney general Blanche testified that no limitations exist on who may seek compensation, including those convicted of assaulting police on January 6, though he stated Trump and his sons would not receive direct compensation.
• DOJ announces creation of Anti-Weaponization Fund — The Department of Justice announced the establishment of a $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" aimed at compensating individuals it describes as victims of lawfare under former President Joe Biden. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the fund is a lawful process for victims to seek redress. However, the fund is not a legal settlement related to Trump's dropped lawsuit against the IRS, and it grants Trump significant control over the distribution of taxpayer money without oversight.
• Justice Department announced $1.776 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund from Trump IRS lawsuit settlement — The Justice Department announced a $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" created as part of a settlement of President Trump's lawsuit against the IRS over the leak of his tax returns. Trump, his two adult sons, and the Trump Organization dropped the suit and received a formal apology but no direct monetary payment. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Trump's former personal defense attorney, established the fund and will handpick the five-member commission deciding eligibility and payouts. The process is largely shielded from court review, and eligibility criteria remain undefined, with Blanche stating "anybody can apply."