Recent reports indicate that President Trump has requested $230 million in compensation from the Justice Department for what he calls wrongful prosecution. This move has unsettled some Republican senators amid a government shutdown that has been ongoing for 24 days.
According to a New York Times article released on Tuesday, Trump is trying to obtain significant damages from the Justice Department, with his former defense attorney potentially in a position to facilitate a settlement. Some senators on the Judiciary Committee are expressing uncertainty about how to react.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, the ranking member of this committee, mentioned that although Trump might deserve some compensation, Deputy Attorney General Todd Branch should not be involved in signing any settlement due to his previous ties with Trump. When asked if Branch ought to recuse himself from deciding on this issue, Graham stated, “He shouldn’t make that decision because he’s a former lawyer.”
Nevertheless, Graham supports the notion that anyone, including the president, has the right to pursue compensation if they feel wronged by the Justice Department’s actions. “If he has been wronged, he has the right to sue,” he asserted.
Sen. Thom Tillis raised concerns on Wednesday about the impression it gives that Trump would benefit financially from the Justice Department, particularly given the timing, as many federal workers are without pay due to the shutdown. He remarked, “It’s terrible timing, at least given that we’re shutting down,” highlighting concerns over public perception.
Tillis emphasized the need for the Justice Department to adhere to established protocols regarding damages, especially given Branch’s past as Trump’s defense attorney. “If there’s a precedent, that’s where the discussion begins,” he said, adding that now may not be the time to set a new one.
On the issue of whether Branch should step back, Tillis noted that he must follow the proper rules and customs.
Sen. Susan Collins expressed that she was not fully informed on the situation but described the proposed payments as “highly irregular.” Similarly, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito doubted the administration would approve such a large payment, citing concerns about public optics. “I don’t think that’s going to happen,” she concluded.
Democratic Sen. Kevin Cramer stated he didn’t wish to speculate on whether Branch’s previous role as Trump’s lawyer posed a conflict of interest, yet he remained open to the idea of compensation. However, he cautioned that favorable payments for Trump could provide ammunition for liberal Democrats as the elections approach. Cramer noted that many voters may not be bothered by the settlement, but those involved in last weekend’s “No Kings” rallies would certainly take issue.
Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee warn that any payments to Trump would likely be a contentious topic in the upcoming elections. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse emphasized that involving a former personal attorney in such payments without proper oversight would be politically damaging.
Trump himself has acknowledged the troubling implications of his restitution request, especially as it relates to his role as president. He has previously filed damage claims and stated last week, “It just seems like a terrible thing. I’m suing myself, right?” Despite expressing discomfort, he believes he has experienced substantial harm from what he views as unjust prosecution and indicates a willingness to donate any awarded funds to charity.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune refrained from offering any comments, indicating he did not fully grasp Trump’s request for compensation from the Justice Department.
