via ABC News: Top Stories — He calls it a "political slush fund" and says it's unconstitutional.

The answer may not surprise you...

via US news | The Guardian — Investigation to establish whether ‘anti-weaponization’ fund is ‘product of collusion and itself a fraud’ A federal judge has reopened Donald Trump ’s $10bn case against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), after receiving a third-party motion asserting that the settlement, which lacks detail, “is a product of collusion and is itself a fraud on the court”. The ruling, issued by the Miami judge Kathleen Williams, revives a lawsuit brought by the president and his sons against the IRS after their p

The article discusses the ongoing controversy surrounding Todd Blanche's Senate confirmation, highlighting concerns raised by former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe. McCabe criticized the Department of Justice's lack of response to President Donald Trump's IRS lawsuit, which never reached a legal resolution. He argued that the absence of a true legal dispute made the settlement agreements suspicious, particularly the creation of a weaponization fund and granting immunity to Trump and his associates. These issues have become a sticking point for some Republican senators, including Sen. John Cornyn, who cited the settlement as a reason for delaying Blanche's confirmation. McCabe called the settlement unprecedented and a bad idea, emphasizing its potential implications for justice and accountability. The article underscores the political and legal complexities surrounding Blanche's nomination, which remains in limbo as the Senate prepares to vote. The focus is on the unusual nature of the legal proceedings and their impact on the confirmation process, raising questions about transparency and the rule of law.

Democrats criticize deal as a slush fund that ‘funnels taxpayer dollars’ to Trump’s political allies

A federal judge has ordered attorneys representing President Donald Trump and his family to address serious allegations concerning an unusual settlement agreement linked to the Internal Revenue Service. The deal, which reportedly resulted in the creation of a $1.8 billion fund, was established as part of a resolution to a lawsuit involving claims of IRS misconduct. The fund is intended to compensate individuals who allege they were targeted by what has been described as a “weaponized” justice system. However, the arrangement has drawn intense scrutiny from the court, with questions emerging about whether the structure and implementation of the agreement could constitute fraud. On Friday, the judge instructed both sides to provide detailed explanations regarding the legality and appropriateness of the settlement mechanism. The court characterized the allegations as “grievous,” signaling concern over whether public or governmental processes were properly followed in creating the fund. The inquiry reflects broader legal and political tensions surrounding the handling of high-profile disputes involving federal institutions and political figures. While the case remains in an early procedural stage, the judge’s order suggests heightened judicial oversight and skepticism about the agreement’s legitimacy. The response from Trump’s legal team and co-defendants will likely play a central role in determining whether the court allows the settlement structure to stand or moves toward further legal action. The outcome could have implications for how large-scale settlement funds tied to government disputes are structured and reviewed in the future.

The article reports on a highly controversial IRS settlement orchestrated during the Trump administration, describing it as a $1.776 billion fund allegedly intended to reward individuals who claim to have been harmed by the Biden Administration. The settlement, arranged by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanch, allows Trump to appoint and remove commission members without oversight, and limits public and congressional review of the fund's recipients. Critics argue this effectively rewards violent or illegal actions by loyalists and pardoned January 6 participants, framing the government as prioritizing loyalty over rule of law. The article claims that Trump and his allies have created a system where misconduct is financially compensated, raising serious ethical and legal concerns. Additionally, a DOJ order reportedly bars future tax or legal actions against Trump and his entities, potentially granting him immunity from prosecution. The piece highlights fears of systemic corruption, erosion of democratic norms, and the long-term consequences for governance and accountability in the U.S.

via ABC News: Top Stories — Democrats are demanding answers from the Treasury and IRS over Trump's settlement and "Anti-Weaponization Fund."

via The Hill News — The Justice Department on Monday launched a nearly $2 billion “anti-weaponization fund” as part of a settlement after President Trump sued the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for $10 billion. The fund, which will receive a total of $1.776 billion dollars, will give payouts as well as issue “formal apologies” to those who pursue settlements after…

via US news | The Guardian — If case is settled for full amount Trump is requesting, a $10bn payment would more than double his family’s net worth – key US politics stories from Saturday, 16 May at a glance Donald Trump may agree to drop his massive $10bn lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service in exchange for the launch of a $1.7bn fund to compensate people he says were wrongfully targeted by the Biden administration, according to reports. The case is the latest example of how Trump has taken over the justice departme

U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams asked Trump’s lawyers to respond to a call for her to explore the deal that led to the $1.8 billion fund.