Stop Calling Trump’s Slush Fund a Settlement. It’s a Violence Incentive Project.

The recent revelations about Donald Trump’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” settlement fund have sent shockwaves through the legal community, but its implications stretch far beyond corruption and cronyism.

At its core, this so-called “settlement” is a brazen attempt by Trump to shield himself and his loyalists from accountability, cloaking it in legitimacy. The fact that he sued his own IRS as a private party, settled the case through attorneys who have also been his personal lawyers, and secured an addendum signed by acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is egregious.

This calculated move has created a get-out-of-jail-free card for Trump’s most ardent supporters, many of whom were involved in seditious conspiracy, assaulting Capitol police officers, or other crimes they admitted to in open court. By enshrining Trumpian language – such as “unlawful raid at Mar-a-Lago” and “Russia collusion hoax” – in official U.S. government documents, this settlement perpetuates a toxic brand of revisionism that erodes trust in the institutions meant to uphold justice.

The consequences are far-reaching and devastating. This fund incentivizes future violence, chills legitimate dissent, and systematically erases the historical record of January 6th. As J.P. Cooney, a career federal prosecutor and former top deputy in Jack Smith’s special counsel’s office, described it: “practiced, skillful corruption.”

The Trump administration’s legacy is one of chaos and lawlessness, but this settlement fund takes the cake. It’s a stark reminder that when those in power feel threatened, they will stop at nothing to protect themselves, even if it means subverting democracy.

This raises questions about the role of the Justice Department under Trump, particularly with regards to its handling of sensitive cases involving high-profile defendants. The fact that acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed off on this addendum is a clear indication that the department’s priorities have been warped to serve the interests of those in power.

The implications extend beyond politics, too. This fund has serious consequences for the rule of law and the concept of accountability itself. If we allow such blatant abuse of power to go unchecked, we risk undermining the foundations of our justice system.

As we move forward, it’s essential to keep a close eye on the Trump family’s activities, particularly in regards to their financial dealings and alleged tax evasion. This settlement fund is just one piece of a larger puzzle, and unraveling its threads will require a sustained effort from journalists, lawmakers, and the public at large.

The fight against corruption and cronyism won’t be easy, but it’s essential that we continue to shine a light on these abuses and demand accountability from those in power. Anything less would be a betrayal of our democratic values and a surrender to the forces of chaos and lawlessness that have come to define Trump’s legacy.

As the January 6th committee continues its work, it’s imperative that we stay vigilant and ensure that those responsible for this attempted coup are held accountable. The Trump slush fund is just one more reminder that our democracy remains under siege – but with persistence, courage, and a commitment to truth, we can still restore the rule of law and protect the integrity of our institutions.