Acting Attorney General Defends Fund That Could Benefit Trump’s Allies

“This Is an outrageous, unprecedented slush fund that you set up. Simple question: Will individuals who assaulted Capitol Hill police officers be eligible for this fund?” “Anybody in this country is eligible to apply.” “Amounts in the judgment fund have traditionally been used for the payment of specific claims against the government, or amounts owned for the settlement of those claims, but not for future claims that have yet to be brought.” “It is true that this is unusual. That is true, but it is not unprecedented, and it was done to address something that had never happened again either. So there is an unprecedented nature of what we did yesterday in response to years and years of weaponization.” “Has it ever happened that a sitting president sued his own government for $10 billion, and then directed the settlement of the case and the establishment of a payout fund?” “Not that I’m aware of. But there’s a lot of things that President Trump is the first of.” “How will they determine how much will be paid for each claim? What’s the legal basis for those decisions?” “So it depends on the claim. And there will be five commissioners who will review each claim. It won’t be reviewed by me.” “Will you ensure that none of this money goes to anyone convicted on the Jan. 6 attack on the Congress?” “The commissioners will determine who is eligible to receive the money and who —” “And who are the commissioners?” “They’re not named yet.” “Who will name them?” “I will, or the attorney general will if it’s not me.” “So, with the suggestion of the president of United States?” “I have no idea if he will or not.” “I would be shocked if he didn’t tell you exactly who to put on, and I’d be more shocked if you did not put them on.”