The US Department of Justice announced on 18/5 the establishment of the 1776 Anti-Weaponization Fund. This figure coincides with the year of the nation’s declaration of independence, and the fund has a total value of 1,776 billion USD. Experts describe the move as unprecedented. Federal funds will compensate President Donald Trump's supporters, who the US justice system "unjustly targeted" under Joe Biden's preceding administration.
“We must never allow the machinery of government to be weaponized against any American citizen. This agency aims to rectify past wrongs and ensure they do not recur,” said acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.
“Under this settlement agreement, we will establish a due process, allowing victims of this legal battle to speak out and seek compensation,” he said.
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US President Donald Trump at the White House on 15/5. _AP_
The Department of Justice will establish a committee comprising 5 members to evaluate compensation claims. President Trump will have the authority to dismiss any member of this team. Compensation requests "have no partisan requirements", and the processing procedure will be effective until 15/12/2028, mot month before Trump’s term concludes.
“This agreement will compensate those who were mistreated, covering legal costs and damages they endured,” Trump told reporters at the White House.
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Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche speaks in Arizona on 6/5. _AFP_
The Trump administration’s 1776 Fund is likely to face backlash and lawsuits from Democrats or oversight organizations. Critics argue that allegations of the preceding administration "weaponizing" the justice system are baseless. They contend this compensation program primarily enriches Trump’s allies.
Chuck Schumer, the Democratic minority leader in the Senate, stated that "Trump is shaking hands with himself" to channel billions of USD to his allies. Public Citizen, a Washington-based public policy watchdog, said the US Department of Justice "created a slush fund to pay Trump supporters".
_Thanh Danh (According to CNN, AP, Reuters)_
