Durbin warns DOJ against compensating ‘rioters’ in ‘anti-weaponization’ fund
Sen. Dick Durbin warned the Department of Justice against paying a $1.776 billion compensation fund that includes Jan. 6 rioters, calling it offensive and a threat to law‑enforcement safety. The fund originates from a settlement tied to former President Donald Trump’s withdrawn $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick and other lawmakers have also demanded transparency and have pledged to oppose the fund in Congress.
- ▪Durbin, the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, wrote to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche requesting documentation on eligibility for the anti‑weaponization fund by May 28.
- ▪The fund would compensate individuals who claim the legal system was weaponized against them, including those charged in connection with the Jan. 6 Capitol attack.
- ▪Trump dropped his $10 billion IRS lawsuit in exchange for the creation of the fund, linking it to his tax‑return leak case.
- ▪Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick said House Republicans will try to kill the fund and asked for clarification on its legality and oversight.
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Senate Durbin warns DOJ against compensating ‘rioters’ in ‘anti-weaponization’ fund Comments: by Finya Swai - 05/21/26 11:50 AM ET Comments: Link copied by Finya Swai - 05/21/26 11:50 AM ET Comments: Link copied NOW PLAYING Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) is pushing back against the Department of Justice (DOJ) over its willingness to provide payouts in a $1.776 billion compensation fund for people who allege the legal system was “weaponized” against them — including those who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Durbin, the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, argued that the “anti-weaponization” fund would undermine law enforcement safety and encourage political violence.
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