Republican Lawyer Seeks Position on DOJ’s Anti-Weaponization Fund Panel

A Republican lawyer, closely associated with Ed Martin, the U.S. pardon attorney, has requested to join a panel responsible for overseeing a substantial $1.7 billion fund. This fund is designated for individuals who claim to have been victims of what they describe as legal “weaponization,” with CBS News obtaining the related request letter.

Mike Howell’s Request

On Wednesday evening, attorney Mike Howell formally expressed his interest in the position, addressing his letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. He outlined his desire to “declare my candidacy for one of the five member positions on the anti-weaponization fund,” emphasizing his preparedness to contribute to this cause. Attorney General Blanche holds the responsibility of appointing members to the commission that will oversee the fund, following a memo he signed earlier this week.

The fund’s announcement ties into the Department of Justice’s resolution of a $10 billion lawsuit filed by Former President Trump against the Internal Revenue Service. This lawsuit centered around the unauthorized disclosure of his tax returns earlier this year.

Howell’s extensive experience includes providing testimony before the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, appearing on national television and radio, and advocating for individuals allegedly targeted due to their political views, faith, and the exercise of their rights protected by the constitution. He conveyed in his application letter that he has “written, sued, defended, and advocated every single day to this end.”

Potential Impact and Background

If Howell’s application is approved, he would acquire a significant role in administering payments to individuals lodging claims with the fund, set to operate until the conclusion of 2028.

Howell is known for his close association with Martin, the DOJ pardon attorney who has advocated for President Trump’s pardons and commutations involving over 1,500 individuals implicated or convicted in the Capitol incident on January 6, 2021. Howell played a crucial role in Martin’s Senate confirmation process for becoming U.S. attorney for D.C., although Martin only held the position on an interim basis and didn’t secure it permanently.

Based in Washington, D.C., Howell presides over the conservative group called the Oversight Project, which focuses on investigating alleged governmental weaponization. He also serves as a visiting fellow at the Heritage Foundation’s Border Security and Immigration Center.

Statements and Intentions

Howell described the anti-weaponization fund’s creation as a “historic step” by President Trump and Acting Attorney General Blanche, declaring his readiness “to make sure it is a success.” The DOJ hasn’t issued comments in response to inquiries on the fund.

Howell’s application marks the first confirmed request to serve on the commission. Earlier, on Tuesday, CNN reported the initial compensation application made by Michael Caputo, a former Trump adviser and administration official. He sought $2.7 million in “restitution and reimbursement,” citing his targeting by the FBI during its Russian interference probe of the 2016 election.

Fund and Victim Gathering Plans

The fund’s announcement represents another action by President Trump in support of his backers, originating with the president’s clemency specifically for January 6 defendants. According to the DOJ’s settlement agreement, eligibility criteria for fund application would encompass “totality of the circumstances.” The DOJ clarified there are “no partisan requirements to file a claim,” though individuals linked to the Capitol riot and other MAGA associates are contemplating relief applications, as CBS News reported.

In his letter to Blanche, Howell detailed his intentions should he be appointed to the panel. “One of my very first actions will be organizing a national gathering of the thousands of victims of weaponization, held in Washington, D.C.,” Howell stated, adding that participants would include those burdened with legal costs associated with their support for President Trump, imprisoned individuals, and January 6 participants. “At this gathering, victims will be offered the time and space to share their stories,” his letter concluded.

“These victims will include those who had to pay legal fees because of their support for President Trump, those who were sent to prison, including those involved with January 6th, 2021,” Howell noted.