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'Not a big fan' - Top Senate Republican breaks with Trump on $1.8bn compensation fund

'Not a big fan' - Top Senate Republican breaks with Trump on $1.8bn compensation fund

Summary

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a leading Republican, criticized a new $1.8 billion fund created by the Trump administration to compensate people who say they were unfairly investigated by past government actions. The fund is tied to President Donald Trump dropping a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS over leaked tax returns. Democrats say the fund mainly helps Trump’s allies, while the Acting Attorney General says anyone can apply.

Key Facts

  • Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he is "not a big fan" of the $1.8 billion fund and doubts its purpose.
  • The fund is called the "Anti-Weaponization Fund" and aims to compensate individuals unfairly investigated by previous administrations.
  • It was created as part of a deal after President Trump dropped a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS over leaked tax documents.
  • The fund is managed by a five-member commission, with four members appointed by the Attorney General.
  • Democrats criticize the fund as a "slush fund" favoring Trump’s political allies, including some linked to the 2021 Capitol riot.
  • Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche says the fund is open to anyone and not limited to Republicans.
  • Treasury’s general counsel Brian Morrissey resigned shortly after the fund was announced.
  • The total available for the fund is $1.776 billion, referencing the year 1776, when the US declared independence.
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