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Trump’s IRS Settlement and “Anti-Weaponization Fund” Draws Bipartisan Backlash

President Trump settled a lawsuit with his own administration, securing protections and benefits for himself, his family and allies. It’s already facing legal challenges.
Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche arrives at the U.S Capitol on May 21, 2026 in Washington, D.C. Blanche was expected to meet with Republican members of Congress to address concerns related to the newly announced $1.776 billion "anti-weaponization fund" and attempts to finalize a reconciliation bill. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

President Donald Trump and the Justice Department, led by his appointee Todd Blanche, have reached a settlement in a lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Services. The deal includes a $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund” for people who claim to be victims of government retaliation. It also includes an addendum providing widespread legal immunity to the president, his family and their businesses.

Critics are calling it a slush fund and government-sanctioned corruption. Marisa is joined by Danny Nguyen, a reporter at Politico covering the I.R.S., to explain why the deal is drawing bipartisan backlash.

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