Officers Sue to Block Trump’s Anti-Weaponization Fund

Two law enforcement officers who faced rioters at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, have filed a lawsuit aiming to block a $1.7 billion “anti-weaponization fund”. This fund was established between President Trump and the federal government. The lawsuit, initiated by former U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn and Metropolitan Police Department officer Daniel Hodges, seeks a federal judge’s intervention to declare the fund illegal. They also want to reverse any Treasury Department transfers to the Justice Department for its implementation.

Both officers were involved in defending the Capitol when supporters of President Trump attempted to halt the certification of the Electoral College results. The fund was announced by the Justice Department, with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stating that it aims to provide a systematic process for addressing claims of weaponization and lawfare.

Attorneys for those alleging government weaponization have begun positioning clients for potential payouts. January 6 rioters, including those pardoned by Trump after being convicted of violent actions during the attack, might apply for these funds. High-profile former Trump administration and campaign officials who previously sued the Justice Department and reached settlements might also be eligible.

While neither Blanche nor the White House has explicitly stated opposition to payouts for those convicted and pardoned for assaulting officers, no eligibility criteria have been released. Blanche mentioned at a Senate hearing that a five-member commission would provide eligibility information for the fund.

“By creating the Anti-Weaponization Fund, funding it, and authorizing claim criteria that will allow it to make payments to, among others, Proud Boys and January 6 rioters, Defendants have inflicted concrete and cognizable harms on Plaintiffs Dunn and Hodges,” argued the complaint filed by the officers.

The complaint emphasized that the fund’s existence signals that those acting violently in President Trump’s name will avoid punishment, receiving financial compensation instead. Brendan Ballou, Public Integrity Project founder and representative of the officers, argued that the fund presents significant dangers to Dunn and Hodges, given their continued efforts to ensure the events of January 6 are not overlooked.

The fund is linked to a settlement from a $10 billion lawsuit filed earlier this year by Trump. He claimed unlawful leaks of his tax returns and those of his sons and company resulted in media disclosures. As part of the agreement, Trump dropped claims against the Justice Department and sought $230 million to settle federal damage claims over prior investigations. The settlement prevents the IRS from pursuing claims against Trump or his company based on past tax returns.