Justice Department Receives Early Applications for $1.8 Billion Fund
Applications have begun arriving at the Justice Department for a nearly $1.8 billion fund created under a settlement between President Trump and the government. The fund aims to address claims of government targeting, though formal distribution rules have not yet been set.
alternet.orgThe fund was announced this week as part of an agreement in which Trump dropped legal claims over the leak of his tax returns. The settlement requires the appointment of five commissioners to decide how the money will be distributed. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche will select the commissioners within 30 days of the Monday signing, with input from Congress on one position.
The president can remove commissioners at any time.
The overview stated that tens of millions of Americans may have been affected. Guidelines for filing claims will be issued after the commissioners are appointed. Legal challenges have already been filed, and some disbursements could face court delays.
Mike Howell, head of the Oversight Project, wrote to Blanche on Wednesday seeking a commissioner position. Howell stated he would help counter what he called the mythology created by the radical left around the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Michael Cohen, Trump's former lawyer, told NBC News on Thursday that he has drafted a letter applying for funds.
Cohen said he is working on his third draft and wants it to be perfect. Sen. Thom Tillis said Thursday that the fund is a payout pot for punks. He stated that many potential recipients deserve prison rather than restitution. Chris Mattei, an attorney representing fired FBI employees, called the fund an insane cash grab for people who committed crimes on Trump's behalf.
Two police officers injured during the January 6 riot have sued to block the fund.
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