U.S. Government Drops Tax Claims Against President Trump in IRS Settlement
The U.S. government agreed to drop tax claims and audits against President Trump as part of a settlement in his lawsuit against the IRS. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed an order expanding the agreement and establishing a nearly $1.8 billion fund.
pbs.orgThe U.S. government will permanently drop tax claims against President Trump under an expanded settlement agreement posted to the Justice Department website on Tuesday. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed the order that bars the IRS from examining or prosecuting claims tied to Trump, his family members, trusts and related companies.
The document states the United States is "FOREVER BARRED and PRECLUDED" from pursuing related actions against the plaintiffs.
Settlement Details The order stems from Trump v.
Internal Revenue Service, a case filed in the Southern District of Florida. It expands an initial settlement announced Monday that resolved the lawsuit over the leak of Trump’s tax returns. The settlement provides a formal apology from the government but no monetary payment to Trump.
The agreement also establishes a nearly $1.8 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" to compensate people who believe they were targeted for prosecution for political purposes. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche described the fund as a lawful process for victims of lawfare and weaponization to seek redress.
The fund allows applicants who claim they were unjustly investigated, including during the prior administration, to apply for payouts. Democratic lawmakers and government watchdogs have criticized the fund as corrupt and opaque, while some Republican lawmakers have expressed discomfort.
The settlement refers only to existing audits and does not address future examinations, according to the Justice Department.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
3 events- May 20, 6:03 AM ET
1 new source added: ABC News
1 sourceABC News - May 18, 2026
Initial settlement announced resolving Trump lawsuit against IRS over tax return leaks.
3 sourcesAP · Fox News · Forbes - May 19, 2026
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed expanded order dropping tax claims and creating fund.
4 sourcespbs.org · AP · Fox News · Forbes
Potential Impact
- 01
IRS will not pursue pending tax claims against President Trump or his family.
- 02
People claiming political targeting may apply for payouts from the new fund.
Transparency Panel
Related Stories
Al JazeeraTrump Meets Advisers to Decide on Iran Ceasefire Extension
President Trump said he is holding a Situation Room meeting to make a final decision on a possible deal with Iran. The proposed agreement would extend the ceasefire by 60 days and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
rediff.comTrump to Decide on Iran Deal in Situation Room Meeting
President Trump said Friday he is heading into the Situation Room to make a final determination on a potential agreement with Iran. The proposed deal would reopen the Strait of Hormuz without tolls and require destruction of Iran's highly-enriched uranium.
realitytea.comTrump Says U.S. Will Lift Iran Naval Blockade After Nuclear and Hormuz Pledges
President Trump stated the U.S. will end its naval blockade of Iran once Tehran commits to forgoing nuclear weapons and opens the Strait of Hormuz to unrestricted shipping. The announcement came via Truth Social and a live statement.