Trump's $1.8bn 'Slush Fund' for Allies Sparks Corruption Claims
Trump's $1.8bn 'Slush Fund' for Allies Sparks Claims

This week, Donald Trump dropped a personal $10bn lawsuit he had against the Internal Revenue Service in exchange for a so-called anti-weaponisation fund. The $1.8bn fund will be used to compensate those who think they have been unfairly investigated by the government in the past.

Critics Decry 'Corruption on Steroids'

Jonathan Freedland speaks to legal analyst Kristy Greenberg about why critics are calling this fund 'corruption on steroids'. The fund, which opponents describe as a 'slush fund' for Trump's allies, raises serious ethical and legal questions.

Background of the Lawsuit

Trump's $10bn lawsuit against the IRS was filed in 2021, alleging that the agency targeted him politically. By dropping the lawsuit, Trump secures a $1.8bn fund that he can use to reward supporters who claim they were victims of government overreach.

Wide Pickt banner — collaborative shopping lists app for Telegram, phone mockup with grocery list
  • Critics argue the fund lacks oversight and could be used to enrich Trump's inner circle.
  • Legal experts warn that the fund sets a dangerous precedent for future administrations.
  • The deal comes amid ongoing investigations into Trump's business dealings and the January 6 hearings.

Archive: AP Watch Jonathan on our brand new Politics Weekly YouTube channel. Check out the Guardian’s new podcast out of the US – Stateside with Kai and Carter. Send your questions and feedback to politicsweeklyamerica@theguardian.com. Help support the Guardian. Go to theguardian.com/politicspodus. Photograph: Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA.

Pickt after-article banner — collaborative shopping lists app with family illustration