US judge voids Trump’s IRS settlement, alleges self-dealing
Summary
A U.S. judge ruled that a settlement between President Donald Trump and the Department of Justice (DOJ) was illegal because it involved self-dealing. The judge said the settlement tried to protect Trump and others from legal trouble and set aside $1.8 billion of taxpayer money for unclear reasons, which is not allowed under the law.Key Facts
- President Trump sued the IRS in January over alleged leaks of his tax returns.
- The DOJ and Trump made a $1.8 billion settlement to create a fund to help supposed victims of government "weaponization" and "lawfare."
- The settlement also gave Trump broad tax protections.
- U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams said the lawsuit was not between true opponents, as required by law.
- The judge described the settlement as an attempt to give legal immunity to Trump’s associates and improperly use taxpayer money.
- The administration had already stopped the “Anti-Weaponization Fund” after criticism from lawmakers from both parties.
- The judge raised concerns that the acting Attorney General Todd Blanche represented both sides in the case.
- The judge referred Trump’s lawyer and Justice Department officials involved in the settlement to state bar authorities for possible ethical violations.
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