Police Officers Sue Trump Administration Over Fund
Two current and former police officers who were stationed at the U.S. Capitol during the January 6, 2021, riot have filed a lawsuit against the administration of President Donald Trump regarding a substantial fund aimed at victims of alleged political prosecutions. The fund in question amounts to nearly $1.8 billion.
Harry Dunn, a former Capitol Police officer, and Daniel Hodges from the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department claim that this fund is part of a “corrupt sham” related to a settlement. They have named Trump, Acting Attorney General Todd Bruns, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in their legal action. This fund was established after Trump and his sons, alongside the Trump Organization, agreed to drop a $10 billion lawsuit regarding IRS leaks of tax returns.
In their complaint, Dunn and Hodges argue that no law actually authorizes such a fund and allege that its existence violates both the Constitution and federal law. They characterize the fund as a “$1.776 billion taxpayer-funded slush fund to support violent insurgents and militias” in the country.
The plaintiffs contend that this fund could enable individuals who allegedly engaged in violence on Trump’s behalf to continue their harmful actions, endangering lives, including their own. They assert that payments from the fund could facilitate violent acts against law enforcement, urging for its dissolution to mitigate further harm.
As part of this settlement, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the establishment of a $1.776 billion anti-weaponization fund. According to a press release, the purpose of this fund is to address and process claims from individuals who feel they have been harmed through weapon use or legal actions.
Individuals who believe they’ve been wronged by the government can apply for funds, though those involved in the January 6 riot won’t automatically receive assistance. Bruns mentioned that being allowed to apply doesn’t guarantee funds will be granted.
The Justice Department plans to appoint five overseers for the fund, but their identities remain undisclosed, and it’s still unclear how eligibility for payments will be determined.
Deputy Attorney General Stanley Woodward faced criticism about the fund during a Tuesday press conference. He remarked that it’s premature to label it as a “slush fund” or to make broad judgments about its effectiveness, emphasizing that no payments have been made yet.
Additionally, it’s been reported that the DOJ may argue that the plaintiffs lack the standing to bring this lawsuit. Yoganda D. Pittman, who took on the role of acting Capitol Police chief after the January 6 events, allegedly apologized for the police’s inability to control the riot in remarks made during a 2021 House Appropriations Committee meeting.
Following his presidency, Trump reportedly pardoned around 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the January 6 events. Dunn, who previously ran for Congress in 2024 but lost in the Maryland primary, has announced plans to run again.
A spokesperson for the Capitol Police confirmed that Dunn is indeed a former officer.
