Officers Sue to Block Trump’s $1.7 Billion ‘Anti-Weaponization Fund’

Two law enforcement officers who faced rioters at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, filed a lawsuit on Wednesday. They aim to block the Trump administration’s $1.7 billion ‘anti-weaponization fund.’ This fund was established as part of a recent settlement between President Trump and the government.

Harry Dunn, a retired U.S. Capitol Police officer, and Daniel Hodges, a Metropolitan Police Department officer, have brought this case to federal court in the District of Columbia. They request the judge to declare the fund illegal and to reverse any transfers made by the Treasury Department to the Justice Department to implement it.

The January 6 Incident

On January 6, Trump supporters attempted to halt the certification of the Electoral College at the U.S. Capitol. Officers Dunn and Hodges defended the Capitol during those events. The Justice Department announced the fund earlier this week. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the fund was designed to provide a systematic process for addressing claims of weaponization and lawfare.

Potential Payout Eligibility

Attorneys are positioning their clients for payouts since the announcement. Jan. 6 rioters, including those later pardoned by Trump, might apply for payouts. High-profile former Trump administration and campaign officials who previously sued the Justice Department and settled are also potential beneficiaries. There has been no direct opposition from Blanche or the White House on payouts to those pardoned for assaulting law enforcement officers.

The Justice Department has not shared specifics about eligibility criteria or any cap on settlement payouts. Blanche indicated that a five-member commission governing the fund would release that information.

Officers’ Argument and Representation

“By creating the Anti-Weaponization Fund, funding it, and authorizing claim criteria, Defendants have inflicted concrete and cognizable harms on Plaintiffs Dunn and Hodges,” their complaint states. “The Fund’s existence conveys a chilling message: those who commit violence in Trump’s name will not face punishment, but rather receive rewards.”

Public Integrity Project founder Brendan Ballou represents Dunn and Hodges. He argues that the fund puts them at enormous physical risk and that the fund is illegal.

Background on the Settlement

The settlement arose from a $10 billion lawsuit filed by Trump. He accused the agencies of allowed leaks of his tax returns and those of his sons and company, which led to media disclosures in 2020. Trump, his sons, and the Trump Organization were plaintiffs in the case.

Trump and his team agreed to drop administrative claims against the Justice Department after requesting $230 million for federal damage claims against investigative actions during his administration. The settlement also prevents the IRS from pursuing claims against Trump or his company based on prior tax returns.