{"id":20684,"date":"2026-05-20T03:36:45","date_gmt":"2026-05-20T03:36:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/get-out-of-jail-free-card-trump-lawsuit-deal-bars-tax-probes-against-him-or-his-family-forever\/"},"modified":"2026-05-20T03:36:45","modified_gmt":"2026-05-20T03:36:45","slug":"get-out-of-jail-free-card-trump-lawsuit-deal-bars-tax-probes-against-him-or-his-family-forever","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/get-out-of-jail-free-card-trump-lawsuit-deal-bars-tax-probes-against-him-or-his-family-forever\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2018Get-out-of-jail-free card\u2019: Trump lawsuit deal bars tax probes against him or his family \u2013 forever"},"content":{"rendered":"<div>\n<div data-testid=\"ad-sticky-container\" class=\"sc-37562b78-0 iLENDS\">\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"sc-54c4a04e-0 evuabm adWrapper noPrint sc-1c01c11e-0 jLbRED\" data-testid=\"ad\"><small class=\"sc-54c4a04e-2 dhgkTF\">Advertisement<\/small><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<header class=\"sc-ad76bc40-0 fNDZoQ\">\n<div class=\"sc-5cbbddda-0 hjlPcO\">\n<div data-testid=\"article-author\" class=\"sc-5cbbddda-1 hPBdKJ\">\n<div>\n<p data-testid=\"article-datetime\" class=\"sc-5cbbddda-5 hxoHkT\"><span class=\"sc-a243f860-0 gjmXPs\"><time data-testid=\"storytile-timestamp\" datetime=\"2026-05-20T07:07:16+10:00\">May 20, 2026<!-- --> &mdash; 7:07am<\/time><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-7132c98c-0 efdRpd noPrint\" data-testid=\"article-actions\">\n<div class=\"sc-7132c98c-1 iddmiW\">\n<div class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-0 kbEYga\" readability=\"6.3137254901961\"><button aria-checked=\"false\" aria-label=\"Save article to read later\" role=\"switch\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-1 kmQlMe\"><svg fill=\"none\" height=\"24\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"24\" class=\"sc-d1b14060-0 TUyao\"><path d=\"M5.75 4C5.75 3.86193 5.86193 3.75 6 3.75H18C18.1381 3.75 18.25 3.86193 18.25 4L18.25 19.7709L12.8004 16.9682C12.2981 16.7099 11.7019 16.7099 11.1996 16.9682L5.75 19.7709L5.75 4Z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-2 gaKrMl\">Save<\/span><\/button>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"sc-ba6ddcd9-0 kskMyR sc-d1b14060-3 cpmcTK\" role=\"tooltip\" readability=\"8.0816326530612\">\n<p class=\"sc-d1b14060-4 JmUoF\">You have reached your maximum number of saved items.<\/p>\n<p>Remove items from your saved list to add more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><button aria-label=\"Set font size to normal\" aria-pressed=\"true\" class=\"sc-f7fd8257-1 yiNod\">A<\/button><button aria-label=\"Set font size to larger\" aria-pressed=\"false\" class=\"sc-f7fd8257-1 frqtnv\">A<\/button><button aria-label=\"Set font size to very large\" aria-pressed=\"false\" class=\"sc-f7fd8257-1 frqrHP\">A<\/button><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<aside class=\"sc-6f94ac39-6 esmrVF\"><\/aside>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\" readability=\"28.641342756184\">\n<p><strong>Washington:<\/strong> An unprecedented settlement between President Donald Trump and the US government &ndash; which he runs &ndash; precludes the tax office from ever pursuing claims against him, his family, their trusts and companies, as well as establishing a &ldquo;slush fund&rdquo; to compensate his political allies.<\/p>\n<p>A day after the Justice Department announced it would allocate $US1.776 billion ($2.48 billion) to pay damages to alleged victims of government weaponisation and lawfare, acting attorney-general Todd Blanche waived the government&rsquo;s right to ever pursue tax claims against the Trump family and empire.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"sc-4820f69c-1 ZrhPA\"><button aria-label=\"enlarge image\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-5 dyWwUw\">\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.146%2C$multiply_0.9841%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/ac4c104a198fbc0252c784b4698f191529993230, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.146%2C$multiply_1.9683%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/ac4c104a198fbc0252c784b4698f191529993230 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.146%2C$multiply_1.0159%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/ac4c104a198fbc0252c784b4698f191529993230, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.146%2C$multiply_2.0317%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/ac4c104a198fbc0252c784b4698f191529993230 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Acting attorney-general Todd Blanche was forced to answer questions about the weaponisation fund at the US Senate.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/%24zoom_0.146,%24multiply_0.7725,%24ratio_1.5,%24width_756,%24x_0,%24y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86,f_auto\/ac4c104a198fbc0252c784b4698f191529993230\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.146%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/ac4c104a198fbc0252c784b4698f191529993230, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.146%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/ac4c104a198fbc0252c784b4698f191529993230 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n<div class=\"internal-linking-related-contents\"><a href=\"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/12-weeks-jail-for-school-it-support-technician-who-took-upskirt-videos-of-teachers\/\" class=\"template-1\"><span class=\"cta\">News :<\/span><span class=\"postTitle\">&lt;div&gt;12 weeks' jail for school IT support technician who took upskirt videos of teachers&lt;\/div&gt;<\/span><\/a><\/div><p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 38 38\" height=\"38px\" width=\"38px\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-4 iMiYlW\"><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 22.029383, 7.619553)\"><path d=\"M1 8l6.36396103-6.36396103M8 7V1H2\"><\/path><\/g><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 7.0731, 21.523087)\"><path d=\"M8 1L1.63603897 7.36396103M1 2v6h6\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg><\/p><\/button><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>Acting attorney-general Todd Blanche was forced to answer questions about the weaponisation fund at the US Senate.<\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">AP Photo\/Mariam Zuhaib<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>In a one-page document uploaded to the department&rsquo;s website, Blanche says the United States &ldquo;RELEASES, WAIVES, ACQUITS and FOREVER DISCHARGES each of the plaintiffs&rdquo; from any past or pending claims that could have been made against them by the tax office.<\/p>\n<p>The government is &ldquo;hereby FOREVER BARRED and PRECLUDED&rdquo; from prosecuting or pursuing any and all such claims, Blanche&rsquo;s memo says.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"sc-54c4a04e-0 yKpxh adWrapper noPrint sc-6f94ac39-3 fDyKLW\" data-testid=\"ad\"><small class=\"sc-54c4a04e-2 dhgkTF\">Advertisement<\/small><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\" readability=\"29.309967141292\">\n<p>The protection applies not only to the plaintiffs in the case &ndash; Trump, his sons Don Jr and Eric, and the Trump Organisation &ndash; but to &ldquo;related or affiliated individuals&rdquo; including family members, trusts, parent and related companies, affiliates and subsidiaries.<\/p>\n<p>It pertains to any matters that were raised or could have been raised in the lawsuit, as well as other matters currently pending or that could have been pending, &ldquo;including tax returns filed before the effective date&rdquo;.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"sc-4820f69c-1 ZrhPA\"><button aria-label=\"enlarge image\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-5 dyWwUw\">\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.126%2C$multiply_0.9841%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/7a764968083a44b5b713acea42677a49e691e925, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.126%2C$multiply_1.9683%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/7a764968083a44b5b713acea42677a49e691e925 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.126%2C$multiply_1.0159%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/7a764968083a44b5b713acea42677a49e691e925, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.126%2C$multiply_2.0317%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/7a764968083a44b5b713acea42677a49e691e925 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"President Donald Trump speaks as he tours the ballroom construction site at the White House on Tuesday.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/%24zoom_0.126,%24multiply_0.7725,%24ratio_1.5,%24width_756,%24x_0,%24y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86,f_auto\/7a764968083a44b5b713acea42677a49e691e925\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.126%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/7a764968083a44b5b713acea42677a49e691e925, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.126%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/7a764968083a44b5b713acea42677a49e691e925 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 38 38\" height=\"38px\" width=\"38px\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-4 iMiYlW\"><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 22.029383, 7.619553)\"><path d=\"M1 8l6.36396103-6.36396103M8 7V1H2\"><\/path><\/g><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 7.0731, 21.523087)\"><path d=\"M8 1L1.63603897 7.36396103M1 2v6h6\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg><\/p><\/button><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>President Donald Trump speaks as he tours the ballroom construction site at the White House on Tuesday.<\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">AP Photo\/Jacquelyn Martin<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"internal-linking-related-contents\"><a href=\"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/migrant-acquitted-in-first-trial-over-us-border-military-zones\/\" class=\"template-1\"><span class=\"cta\">News :<\/span><span class=\"postTitle\">Migrant acquitted in first trial over US border military zones<\/span><\/a><\/div><p>Previous reporting by <em>The New York Times<\/em> estimated Trump could be liable for a tax bill exceeding $US100 million, plus interest and potential penalties, if he lost an IRS audit.<\/p>\n<p>Blanche, who is acting as attorney-general after Trump fired Pam Bondi, is a former personal lawyer to the president.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"sc-54c4a04e-0 yKpxh adWrapper noPrint sc-6f94ac39-3 fDyKLW\" data-testid=\"ad\"><small class=\"sc-54c4a04e-2 dhgkTF\">Advertisement<\/small><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\" readability=\"31\">\n<p>Chuck Schumer, the leader of the Democrats in the Senate, called the agreement &ldquo;a get-out-of-jail-free card that [Trump] negotiated with himself&rdquo;. &ldquo;His corruption knows no end,&rdquo; Schumer said.<\/p>\n<p>The settlement stems from a $US10 billion lawsuit that Trump and the other plaintiffs brought against the Internal Revenue Service in January, arguing the tax agency should have done more to prevent a &#8203;former IRS contractor from leaking his &#8288;tax returns to media outlets.<\/p>\n<p>The leak occurred about seven years ago, during Trump&rsquo;s first term, leading Democrats to accuse Trump of bringing a &ldquo;sham&rdquo; lawsuit now against his own government to extract a favourable settlement.<\/p>\n<p>Part of that settlement, announced yesterday, is the creation of a $US1.8 billion anti-weaponisation fund that will compensate people who successfully claim to have been victims of government lawfare. Claims will be decided by a five-person commission, to be appointed by the attorney-general, who serves the president.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"sc-54c4a04e-0 yKpxh adWrapper noPrint sc-6f94ac39-3 fDyKLW\" data-testid=\"ad\"><small class=\"sc-54c4a04e-2 dhgkTF\">Advertisement<\/small><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\" readability=\"24.79217603912\">\n<p>Blanche and Vice President JD Vance both said anyone was able to make a claim from the fund, and it was not limited to Republicans or people charged and convicted over the January 6, 2021, riots at the US Capitol.<\/p>\n<p>But Vance said explicitly: &ldquo;This is about compensating Americans for the lawfare that we saw under the last [Biden] administration.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"sc-4820f69c-1 ZrhPA\"><button aria-label=\"enlarge image\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-5 dyWwUw\">\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.149%2C$multiply_0.9841%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/289838a18038b5c6d7af86097776da8a31a09d6b, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.149%2C$multiply_1.9683%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/289838a18038b5c6d7af86097776da8a31a09d6b 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.149%2C$multiply_1.0159%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/289838a18038b5c6d7af86097776da8a31a09d6b, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.149%2C$multiply_2.0317%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/289838a18038b5c6d7af86097776da8a31a09d6b 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Vice President JD Vance queried why Trump voters accused of crimes related to January 6 were not extended some sympathy.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/%24zoom_0.149,%24multiply_0.7725,%24ratio_1.5,%24width_756,%24x_0,%24y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86,f_auto\/289838a18038b5c6d7af86097776da8a31a09d6b\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.149%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/289838a18038b5c6d7af86097776da8a31a09d6b, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.149%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/289838a18038b5c6d7af86097776da8a31a09d6b 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 38 38\" height=\"38px\" width=\"38px\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-4 iMiYlW\"><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 22.029383, 7.619553)\"><path d=\"M1 8l6.36396103-6.36396103M8 7V1H2\"><\/path><\/g><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 7.0731, 21.523087)\"><path d=\"M8 1L1.63603897 7.36396103M1 2v6h6\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg><\/p><\/button><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>Vice President JD Vance queried why Trump voters accused of crimes related to January 6 were not extended some sympathy.<\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">AP Photo\/Jacquelyn Martin<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&ldquo;If [former president Joe Biden&rsquo;s son] Hunter Biden wants to apply for this particular fund, he is welcome to.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Vance, speaking at the White House press briefing room, also expressed a degree of sympathy for the people accused or convicted of assaulting law enforcement officers on January 6, 2021 &ndash; whom Trump pardoned.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"sc-54c4a04e-0 yKpxh adWrapper noPrint sc-6f94ac39-3 fDyKLW\" data-testid=\"ad\"><small class=\"sc-54c4a04e-2 dhgkTF\">Advertisement<\/small><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\" readability=\"24\">\n<p>&ldquo;We&rsquo;re not trying to give money to anybody who attacked a police officer. We&rsquo;re trying to compensate people where the book was thrown at them, they were mistreated by the legal system,&rdquo; Vance said.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Whatever they were accused of &ndash; if we think somebody was unfairly prosecuted and deserves just compensation, that&rsquo;s what this fund is going to exist for.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"sc-4820f69c-1 ZrhPA\"><button aria-label=\"enlarge image\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-5 dyWwUw\">\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.197%2C$multiply_0.9841%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/abf841d4a07ce803e83d4d82e5875ed6460c944e, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.197%2C$multiply_1.9683%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/abf841d4a07ce803e83d4d82e5875ed6460c944e 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.197%2C$multiply_1.0159%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/abf841d4a07ce803e83d4d82e5875ed6460c944e, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.197%2C$multiply_2.0317%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/abf841d4a07ce803e83d4d82e5875ed6460c944e 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Trump with sons Don Jr (left) and Eric in 2024.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/%24zoom_0.197,%24multiply_0.7725,%24ratio_1.5,%24width_756,%24x_0,%24y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86,f_auto\/abf841d4a07ce803e83d4d82e5875ed6460c944e\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.197%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/abf841d4a07ce803e83d4d82e5875ed6460c944e, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.197%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/abf841d4a07ce803e83d4d82e5875ed6460c944e 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 38 38\" height=\"38px\" width=\"38px\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-4 iMiYlW\"><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 22.029383, 7.619553)\"><path d=\"M1 8l6.36396103-6.36396103M8 7V1H2\"><\/path><\/g><g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 7.0731, 21.523087)\"><path d=\"M8 1L1.63603897 7.36396103M1 2v6h6\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg><\/p><\/button><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>Trump with sons Don Jr (left) and Eric in 2024.<\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">AP<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The vice president went on to say that American law schools, prisoners&rsquo; rights groups and the media regularly expressed sympathy for criminals convicted of heinous crimes.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;You know who never, ever gets an ounce of sympathy when it comes to that disproportionate sentencing?&rdquo; he asked. &ldquo;People who voted for Donald Trump and participated in the January 6 protests.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"sc-54c4a04e-0 yKpxh adWrapper noPrint sc-6f94ac39-3 fDyKLW\" data-testid=\"ad\"><small class=\"sc-54c4a04e-2 dhgkTF\">Advertisement<\/small><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\" readability=\"22.175732217573\">\n<p>Blanche was grilled by lawmakers about the fund during a hearing on Tuesday (US time). He committed to releasing quarterly reports about the fund&rsquo;s activities, though he indicated this would include information about the amounts of compensation awarded and the basis, not the person&rsquo;s name.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"sc-c8170ed7-0 kBAoLZ noPrint\" data-testid=\"related-story\">\n<h2 data-testid=\"related-story-heading\" class=\"sc-c8170ed7-1 iHMtRN\">Related Article<\/h2>\n<div class=\"sc-679b6ed4-0 VKgwt\" data-an-position=\"1\" imagepositions=\"top\" data-testid=\"story-tile\">\n<figure imagesizes=\"[object Object]\" class=\"sc-8825a2fb-0 kZkxVd\">\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.5295%2C$multiply_0.2805%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_82\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/4e43642240621fdf7480eadbfec114d99b21d4ae, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.5295%2C$multiply_0.5609%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_82\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/4e43642240621fdf7480eadbfec114d99b21d4ae 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 750px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.5295%2C$multiply_0.2842%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_82\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/4e43642240621fdf7480eadbfec114d99b21d4ae, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.5295%2C$multiply_0.5685%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_82\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/4e43642240621fdf7480eadbfec114d99b21d4ae 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Democrats described Trump&rsquo;s lawsuit as a &ldquo;sham&rdquo; intended to instigate the favourable settlement that was announced on Monday.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/%24zoom_0.5295,%24multiply_0.5127,%24ratio_1.777778,%24width_1059,%24x_0,%24y_82\/t_crop_custom\/q_86,f_auto\/4e43642240621fdf7480eadbfec114d99b21d4ae\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.5295%2C$multiply_0.5127%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_82\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/4e43642240621fdf7480eadbfec114d99b21d4ae, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.5295%2C$multiply_1.0255%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_82\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/4e43642240621fdf7480eadbfec114d99b21d4ae 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ioInpc\"><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>He would not say whether someone convicted of assaulting a police officer on January 6 would be rendered ineligible to receive money from the fund.<\/p>\n<p>At a news conference, associate attorney-general Stanley Woodward also defended the scheme, arguing that he already had the authority to settle any claim brought against the US government.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Instead of just one person, there are now going to be five,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I frankly think that we should be ecstatic about the idea that we are going to inject more accountability into the process.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"sc-54c4a04e-0 yKpxh adWrapper noPrint sc-6f94ac39-3 fDyKLW\" data-testid=\"ad\"><small class=\"sc-54c4a04e-2 dhgkTF\">Advertisement<\/small><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\" readability=\"20.385611510791\">\n<p>Before being appointed associate attorney-general, Woodward also worked as a defence lawyer for Trump, his allies and people charged with offences on January 6, 2021. He signed this week&rsquo;s settlement agreement with Trump on behalf of the Justice Department.<\/p>\n<p>Woodward denied he had a conflict of interest, and said it was too soon to criticise the fund or describe it as a slush fund.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;There&rsquo;s not been a single claim filed. There&rsquo;s not been a single payment made. Come see us after we&rsquo;ve made one of these so-called corrupt payments.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p><b><i>Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on what&rsquo;s making headlines around the world. <b>Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter<\/b>.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-testid=\"article-footer\" class=\"sc-780f6c39-0 fWnQtB\">\n<div class=\"sc-780f6c39-1 bhFzjY noPrint\">\n<div class=\"sc-780f6c39-2 ksUUFP\">\n<div class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-0 kbEYga sc-780f6c39-3 fMMhlQ\" readability=\"6.3137254901961\"><button aria-checked=\"false\" aria-label=\"Save article to read later\" role=\"switch\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-1 kmQlMe\"><svg fill=\"none\" height=\"24\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"24\" class=\"sc-d1b14060-0 TUyao\"><path d=\"M5.75 4C5.75 3.86193 5.86193 3.75 6 3.75H18C18.1381 3.75 18.25 3.86193 18.25 4L18.25 19.7709L12.8004 16.9682C12.2981 16.7099 11.7019 16.7099 11.1996 16.9682L5.75 19.7709L5.75 4Z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-2 gaKrMl\">Save<\/span><\/button>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"sc-ba6ddcd9-0 yEdFV sc-d1b14060-3 cpmcTK\" role=\"tooltip\" readability=\"8.0816326530612\">\n<p class=\"sc-d1b14060-4 JmUoF\">You have reached your maximum number of saved items.<\/p>\n<p>Remove items from your saved list to add more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-b5b9fd03-0 ksyHqK\">\n<div class=\"sc-b5b9fd03-1 LVIFj\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Michael Koziol\" data-testid=\"author-avatar-image\" height=\"40\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40,h_40,c_fill,g_auto:faces\/q_86,f_auto\/369958dc66697d0627416b0b8924e301553f0262\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40,h_40,c_fill,g_auto:faces\/q_86,f_auto\/369958dc66697d0627416b0b8924e301553f0262, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_80%2Ch_80%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/369958dc66697d0627416b0b8924e301553f0262 2x\" width=\"40\" class=\"sc-9a01536c-0 libeSR\"><span data-testid=\"author-bio\" class=\"sc-b5b9fd03-3 cVMGnz\"><span>Michael Koziol is the North America correspondent for The Age and Sydney Morning Herald. He is a former Sydney editor, Sun-Herald deputy editor and a federal political reporter in Canberra.<\/span><span class=\"sc-b5b9fd03-4 gMBkSk\">Connect via X<span> or <\/span>email.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"sc-3dbe4134-0 iIZygf sc-df8e6ee0-0 noPrint noPrint\" data-an-name=\"From our partners\" data-an-cu-group=\"everything\" data-an-cu-name=\"From our partners\" data-an-cu-position=\"4\" data-testid=\"from-our-partners-strap\">\n<header class=\"sc-84567ec1-0 hpMljf\">\n<h2 data-pb-type=\"hi\" class=\"sc-84567ec1-1 weWOF\"><span>From our partners<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"sc-df8e6ee0-1 iJvgCK\">\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"sc-54c4a04e-0 blRVQF adWrapper noPrint sc-df8e6ee0-2 gcpFZE\" data-testid=\"ad\"><small class=\"sc-54c4a04e-2 dhgkTF\">Advertisement<\/small><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"sc-54c4a04e-0 blRVQF adWrapper noPrint sc-df8e6ee0-3 fIPZKC\" data-testid=\"ad\"><small class=\"sc-54c4a04e-2 dhgkTF\">Advertisement<\/small><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<p><sub>&lsquo;Get-out-of-jail-free card&rsquo;: Trump lawsuit deal bars tax probes against him or his family &ndash; forever<\/sub><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Advertisement May 20, 2026 &mdash; 7:07am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. AAA Washington: An unprecedented settlement between President Donald Trump and the US government &ndash; which he runs &ndash; precludes the tax office from ever pursuing claims against him, his family,&#8230;<\/p>\n<p class=\"more-link-wrap\"><a href=\"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/get-out-of-jail-free-card-trump-lawsuit-deal-bars-tax-probes-against-him-or-his-family-forever\/\" class=\"more-link\">Read More<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &ldquo;\u2018Get-out-of-jail-free card\u2019: Trump lawsuit deal bars tax probes against him or his family \u2013 forever&rdquo;<\/span> &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":20685,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20684","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20684","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20684"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20684\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20685"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20684"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20684"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jobuzo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20684"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}