Police Officers Sue to Block Payouts From $1.8 Billion Anti-Weaponization Fund

Two police officers who defended the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot sued on Wednesday to block payouts from a new $1.8 billion settlement fund. ” The officers argue the fund is illegal and stems from a corrupt settlement.

The fund was created as part of a settlement after President Donald Trump and his family dropped a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS over the leak of his tax returns. Officials said the money is meant to compensate people who believe they were harmed by prior Justice Department actions.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said during a congressional hearing that anyone can apply for money but added that Jan. 6 rioters are not automatically eligible. He told lawmakers the fund is “unusual” but not unprecedented.

The officers say the fund encourages further violence and increases threats against them. Their lawsuit describes the fund as a “taxpayer-funded slush fund to finance the insurrectionists and paramilitary groups” that committed violence in President Trump’s name.

““To protect their safety and our democracy, our clients are suing to stop that from happening.””

The suit names Blanche and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent as defendants. It asks the court to dissolve the fund, arguing no statute authorizes its creation and that its design violates the Constitution.

A five-member commission appointed by the attorney general will decide who receives money. The process is expected to remain largely shielded from public view. The Justice and Treasury departments did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the lawsuit.