Republican Sen. Thom Tillis intensifies criticism of the Trump administration as bipartisan backlash grows over a controversial Justice Department compensation fund tied to politically motivated prosecution claims.
During an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Tillis condemned the newly created $1.776 billion fund, which was established as part of a legal settlement involving President Donald Trump, the IRS, and the Department of Justice. The fund is designed to compensate individuals who claim they were unfairly targeted for prosecution for political reasons, including during the Biden administration.
“It makes no sense. So it’s politically tone deaf. Whoever did it should be fired,” Tillis said. “Let’s figure out a way to help people who are victims of warfare, not people who are convicted by a jury of their peers or pled guilty to assaulting a police officer.”
The “Anti-Weaponization Fund” emerged from a settlement tied to Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS over the disclosure of his tax returns and related claims involving the Trump Organization and members of the Trump family. Under the arrangement, eligible applicants who believe they were victims of politically motivated prosecution may seek financial compensation through the fund.
Critics, however, argue the initiative risks opening taxpayer-funded payouts to individuals convicted in politically charged cases, including some tied to the January 6 Capitol riot investigations.
The backlash has rapidly become bipartisan.
