Trump, who claimed he “wasn’t involved” in $1.7B fund, now says he allowed it
Republicans blast ‘anti-proliferation’ fund as tense details of Blanche meeting emerge 03:21
Washington — President Trump defended the Justice Department’s new decision on Friday $1.7 billion “fighting arms” fund and said he “allowed” the project to move forward, just days after the president claimed he was not involved in its creation.
One to post On Truth Social, Mr. Trump said he may have received a significant amount of money as part of that deal. a settlement As a result of his civil lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service over leaked tax returns, he decided instead to help others who he claims were unfairly targeted by the Biden administration.
“I gave up a lot of money to allow the just-announced Anti-Proliferation Fund to go forward,” the president wrote. “For an absolute fortune, I could have settled my case, including the illegal release of my Tax Returns and the equally illegal BREAKING of Mar-a-Lago. Instead, I’m helping others who were so badly abused by an evil, corrupt and weaponized Biden Administration finally get JUSTICE!”
Earlier this week, Mr. Trump twice claimed that he was not involved in resolving his case and creating a new system. Fund announced by the Ministry of Justice On Monday.
“It’s been very well received, I have to tell you that. I know very little about it. I wasn’t involved in all of its creation and negotiations,” he said of the fund during an event on Monday. “But it does mean paying compensation to people who were subjected to horrific treatment.”
He reiterated to reporters on Wednesday that he was “not involved in the agreement.”
In response to a request for comment to CBS News, a White House official said: “There is no contradiction. As the President said, he was not involved in creating the fund, but he could have blocked it by choosing to settle his case. The IRS leaked the President’s tax returns and the person who committed the crime is currently sitting in prison. The fund is about accountability for anyone who is a gun victim, regardless of political affiliation.”
The Justice Department said the $1.7 billion fund, called the Anti-Proliferation Fund, aims to “provide a systematic process to hear and redress the claims of proliferation and other persons subject to civil sanctions.” A panel appointed by the attorney general will determine the payments.
There is a Ministry of Justice come under pressure provide additional details about the fund, including how it will operate; and Who can get paid?. In a closed-door meeting Thursday, Senate Republicans pressed Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche for more information about the program. Several GOP senators have expressed concerns that people convicted of assaulting law enforcement officers during the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol and later pardoned by Mr. Trump would receive money.
There are already some said they plan to apply for payments from the $1.7 billion pot, incl. michael cohenMichael Caputo, Mr. Trump’s former lawyer and former Trump adviser, who is now a fierce critic of the president.
Enrique Tarrio, former leader of the far-right group Proud Boys, also suggested: may ask for compensation fondant. Tarrio convicted of seditious conspiracy And sentenced to 22 years in prison He is in prison for his role in the January 6 attack. He was among more than 1,500 defendants convicted of crimes stemming from the Jan. 6 attack. Received a pardon from Mr Trump on the first day of his second term.
Under the terms compromise agreement Because of the IRS lawsuit, Mr Trump and his two sons who are part of the case will receive a “formal apology” from the US government but will not receive any monetary payment or compensation. The agreement is also Permanently blocks the IRS from pursuing any claims against Mr. Trump or his company arising from previously filed tax returns. The president is also protected from claims arising from “statutory law and/or armaments,” although the terms are not defined.
