Two law enforcement officers who were involved in the January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol have filed a lawsuit to stop the Trump administration’s creation of a $1.7 billion ‘anti-weaponization fund.’ This fund was set up as part of an agreement between President Trump and the federal government.
The lawsuit was submitted in the District of Columbia’s federal court by retired U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn and Metropolitan Police Department officer Daniel Hodges. It seeks a legal decision to declare the fund’s establishment unlawful and to reverse any money transfers from the Treasury Department to the Justice Department for executing the fund.
Dunn and Hodges were on duty protecting the U.S. Capitol during the attempt by Trump supporters to halt the Electoral College’s certification on January 6. The fund’s introduction was announced by the Justice Department, with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stating that the fund would address claims of government weaponization and lawfare.
Lawyers representing individuals who assert the government targeted them have begun action to ensure their clients benefit from the payouts. January 6 rioters, even those convicted of violent actions and subsequently pardoned by Trump, might be eligible for compensation. Additionally, prominent former Trump officials who settled lawsuits against the Justice Department could also claim payments.
The criteria for eligibility and payout limits have yet to be disclosed. Blanche indicated that a five-member commission would provide these details. The complaint by Dunn and Hodges argues that the fund harms them by rewarding violence in Trump’s name. They contend it poses ongoing physical threats to officers like them who served on January 6.
Brendan Ballou, from the Public Integrity Project, represents the officers. He criticized the fund as illegal and demanded a halt to any financial transfers supporting it.
The fund is a result of a settlement from a $10 billion lawsuit by Trump. He accused federal agencies of improperly allowing the leak of his and his family’s tax returns. This resulted in their unauthorized publication by media in 2020. Trump’s lawsuit included his sons Eric and Donald Trump Jr., along with the Trump Organization.
Trump’s legal team dropped administrative claims against the Justice Department after seeking a $230 million settlement for previous investigations. The settlement ensures the IRS won’t pursue claims against Trump or his company for prior tax returns.
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