Washington: Trump weaponisation payouts could shift to Federal Tort Claims Act claims after the Justice Department abandoned President Donald Trump’s proposed $1.8 billion fund, Reuters reported.
Stanley Woodward, the Justice Department’s third-ranking official, told Reuters the fund was “dead” at his level. He said people could still submit claims against the government and sue.
The proposed anti-weaponisation fund formed part of a settlement tied to Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service over the alleged mishandling of his tax records.
The plan drew opposition from Republicans in Congress and criticism from Trump opponents, who called it a taxpayer-funded reward for allies.
Reuters reported that hundreds of people prosecuted after the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol have filed claims. At least 10 have sued the federal government for damages, with little response so far.
Trump has repeatedly backed compensation for supporters he says faced improper government action under former President Joe Biden. In an NBC “Meet the Press” interview aired Sunday, Trump said many such people “should be compensated,” according to Reuters and The Guardian.
Michael Caputo, a former Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson in Trump’s first term, asked acting Attorney General Todd Blanche for $2.7 million in “restitution,” Reuters reported. Forbes also reported Caputo’s $2.7 million request last month.
Read: Anti-Weaponisation Fund Faces Ex-Judges’ Challenge
Attorney Peter Ticktin told Reuters his office represents more than 400 people tied to the Capitol riot who have submitted Federal Tort Claims Act claims.
On January 6, the defendants were pursuing payouts despite the fund being scrapped.
Former Justice Department official Rupa Bhattacharyya told Reuters that settling defensible lawsuits would violate the purpose and spirit of the Judgment Fund, though it may not violate the law’s text.
