'Stupid on stilts' - Trump's investigation compensation fund draws ire of Republicans

May 22, 2026

The Trump administration has established a controversial $1. 8 billion compensation fund intended to pay individuals who claim they were unfairly investigated during previous administrations, including participants in the January 6th Capitol riot. The fund originated from a settlement after President Trump sued the IRS over leaked tax records, dropping his lawsuit in exchange for an apology and creation of this program.

Who is affected

Nearly 1,600 people charged with crimes related to the January 6th Capitol riot
Approximately 175 individuals charged with using weapons or causing serious injury to officers on January 6th
Roughly 140 Capitol police officers who were injured during the riot
Michael Caputo (Trump ally investigated during Russia probe)
Michael Cohen (Trump's former lawyer who served prison time)
Republican Senators including Mitch McConnell, Thom Tillis, and John Thune
Democratic lawmakers
Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (Pennsylvania Republican)
Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche
American taxpayers funding the $1.8 billion settlement

What action is being taken

The Department of Justice has set up the $1.8 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund"
A five-member commission is governing the fund to vet and pay claims
Michael Caputo is requesting $2.7 million from the fund
Michael Cohen is planning to request money from the fund
Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche is traveling to Capitol Hill to address Republican senators' concerns
Representative Brian Fitzpatrick is planning to introduce legislation to effectively kill the fund and has sent questions to Blanche about the fund's plans

Why it matters

This fund represents a significant departure from traditional justice department operations by compensating individuals who claim political persecution, raising fundamental questions about accountability and the appropriate use of taxpayer money. The controversy threatens to paralyze government funding processes as lawmakers grapple with the possibility of compensating January 6th rioters who assaulted police officers—individuals who have already received presidential pardons. The bipartisan opposition demonstrates how the initiative crosses traditional political boundaries, uniting critics concerned about rewarding criminal behavior and potentially undermining law enforcement authority while setting a precedent for future administrations to compensate political allies.

What's next

Senate Majority Leader John Thune has cancelled the vote on government funding legislation until concerns are resolved
Representative Brian Fitzpatrick will introduce legislation aimed at eliminating the compensation fund
Administration officials need to address lawmakers' concerns about the fund's timing and substance before funding legislation can proceed
The five-member commission will continue processing and vetting compensation claims as they are submitted

Read full article from source: BBC