Trump may refuse to launch a $1.8 billion compensation fund

U.S. President Donald Trump is reconsidering the decision to launch a compensation fund worth $1.8 billion.

AP reports this, citing sources familiar with the situation. The U.S. Justice Department previously announced a temporary suspension of the fund's implementation due to a court order.

The fund was established as part of the settlement of Trump's lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service over the leak of his tax returns. It was intended to provide compensation to individuals who, according to the administration, became victims of unlawful prosecution under the previous leadership of the Justice Department. However, the initiative drew sharp criticism from Republicans in Congress, who were concerned about the lack of oversight mechanisms and the possibility of payments to participants in the January 6, 2021, riots at the Capitol.

According to the source, Trump is considering abandoning further promotion of the initiative amid political pressure.

Republican Senator Jim Lankford stated that the administration needs to "unambiguously" announce the winding down of the fund. Senate Republican Leader John Thune expressed hope that the White House would independently abandon the initiative.

The Justice Department said it would comply with the decision of federal judge Leonie Brinkema, who temporarily blocked the implementation of the fund. A hearing on a possible extension of the ban is scheduled for June 12.

Separately, a federal judge in Florida ordered Trump's lawyers to submit a written response by June 12 to accusations from critics of the settlement, who claim that the president abandoned claims against the Internal Revenue Service to avoid judicial review of the deal's terms.

Source: Interfax