Trump Administration Describes DOJ Anti-Weaponization Fund as Case-by-Case Compensation Program

The Justice Department announced a $1.778 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund to compensate individuals who claim they were harmed by federal investigations. Officials said the fund will review applications on a case-by-case basis and will not automatically approve payments.

The department stated that both Republicans and Democrats may apply. Vice President J.D. Vance said during a Tuesday White House briefing that Hunter Biden is also eligible to submit a claim. Officials described the fund as compensation for people affected by what they called weaponized investigations, including some pro-life activists prosecuted under the Biden administration.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche met with senators on Thursday to address concerns. A Justice Department spokesperson said the meeting involved a healthy discussion and clarified that none of the fund's money comes from the reconciliation package under Senate consideration.

The fund originated from a settlement between President Donald Trump and the Internal Revenue Service after Trump sued the agency over disclosure of his tax records. A five-person board appointed by the Attorney General will evaluate claims, with at least one member chosen after consultation with congressional leadership.

The president may remove board members without cause. The board will consider the strength of evidence, financial harm including legal fees, time spent in prison, and any prior compensation received. Justice Department documents said the fund aims to address claims from people whose speech was allegedly censored, parents who spoke at school boards, and churchgoers investigated by the FBI.

Legal experts noted differences between this fund and a prior Obama-era settlement that compensated victims of discrimination through a class-action process.