In a recent announcement by the Trump administration on May 18, a fund aimed at “countering the instrumentalization of justice” has been widely denounced. According to Donald Sherman, president of a citizen association for transparency, this fund is seen as one of the most glaring examples of corruption in American history.
The fund, created by President Trump, is described as the latest and most significant tool to financially reward his supporters and allies who he believes have been mistreated by Democratic governments, as reported by The Washington Post.
Under an unusual settlement agreement, President Trump has agreed to drop his family’s lawsuit against the IRS and instead create a $1.8 billion fund to compensate those who claim to have been targeted by the judicial system. The settlement agreement was negotiated by Trump’s lawyers, the Department of Justice, and the IRS, ultimately overseen by the president.
Despite Trump and his family not being beneficiaries of the fund, the disbursements will be determined by a committee of five members appointed by the Department of Justice, with Trump having the authority to replace any of these members.
The fund, totaling $1.776 billion, has raised concerns that American taxpayers may end up footing the bill for individuals involved in the Capitol assault on January 6, 2021, carried out by a pro-Trump mob.
The Washington Post warns of the dangerous precedent set by Trump, where this fund could serve as a model for future presidents seeking to financially reward their friends and allies without being held accountable.
The significance of the $1.776 billion fund, equating to approximately 1.528 billion euros, is noted for recalling the year of the American Declaration of Independence. The editorial committee highlights the risk of inciting revolutionary sentiments by spending taxpayer money without their representatives’ consent.
