Trump backs $1.8 billion payout fund for Jan 6 supporters despite DOJ halt

The Justice Department announced it would not move forward with the proposed $1.8 billion “anti‑weaponization” fund that would use taxpayer money to compensate people who claim they were politically persecuted after the Jan 6 Capitol attack. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche cited a federal court ruling that blocks the plan, and the DOJ said it would abide by the order.

President Donald Trump, however, reiterated his support for the fund, saying he “loves it” and called it a “beautiful thing.” Hundreds of Jan 6 rioters have filed claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act, seeking payouts that could total millions of dollars. The Treasury’s Judgment Fund, which settles federal claims, has already paid settlements to individuals such as the family of Ashli Babbitt, Michael Flynn, and others.

In his remarks, Trump also praised the rioters, describing them as “great people” whose families have been “destroyed,” and highlighted his recent pardons and commutations for many of the convicted participants.