Slush Fund

People like having issues relating to government explained in simple terms. For example, how did Donald Trump manage to secure $1.776 billion of taxpayer money without making a case for “damages” or without appearing in front of a judge?

Trump sued the IRS, which he controls, for $10 billion. The Department of Justice, which he controls, approved a settlement of $1.776 billion before Judge Kathleen M. Williams could throw out the entire case.

Judge Williams said there were no adversaries in the original lawsuit. Using Trump’s own words, she reminded all of us that Trump was suing himself. He brought the case, was responsible for defending the government in the case, and had the ability to control the settlement terms.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who was Trump’s personal attorney until early in 2025, signed off on the deal. But wait, there’s more!  Not only will a board controlled by Trump oversee the payments from the slush fund, but Trump, his family, and their businesses are now immune from audits or inspections by the federal government.

Remember that none of this was granted in a court of law. Trump or his cronies controlled every aspect from start to finish.

Everyone should think carefully about this deal. It is bad for America today, and might even be worse in the future. If this stands, future Presidents from either party could try similar or even worse schemes. 

We need to hope that federal judges who respect the rule of law and separation of powers will strike down this “settlement” before a single tax dollar is spent. Bipartisan opposition is emerging in Congress. Perhaps they can refuse funding and will use their power to investigate to show everyone how a corrupt deal like this ever got this far.

Trump is an expert on hiding things from the public. This time he was fully transparent. He wanted a slush fund that would allow him to pay his allies. He didn’t want to fund it, so he used his office to force you and me to pay. Somehow this has to be stopped.