This story appeared in The Logoffa daily newsletter that helps you stay informed about the Trump administration without letting political news rule your life. Register here.
Welcome to The Logoff: President Donald Trump may have found a new way to repurpose taxpayer money for his own purposes.
What is happening? Earlier this year, Trump, along with his two children and his family business, sued the Internal Revenue Service for $10 billion over leaks of his tax returns to the media. Now, he is said to be planning to drop the case – instead of $1.7 billion in funding he can give to his partners through a commission under his control, according to ABC News.
How is that supposed to work? The $1.7 billion would take the form of a so-called “arms” fund, ABC reports, which could be paid to address complaints by Trump associates who believe they were unfairly targeted by the Biden administration — including those indicted in connection with the January 6 attack on the White House.
Trump himself is reportedly ineligible to file a claim against the fund, but “entities associated with Trump are not expressly barred from filing additional claims,” according to ABC.
What is the context? The settlement, which could be finalized “in the future,” is seen as the end of the court’s suspense over the Trump case, which pits the current president against the government he leads.
As the New York Times reported earlier this monthThe judge presiding over the case has suggested that the case can be dismissed because all parties – Trump and other plaintiffs against the IRS and the Department of Justice – are not in opposition (Trump, again, the boss of the DOJ). Both sides have to defend their position in a brief due next Wednesday, which a settlement could allow them to avoid.
what is the main picture? The two main goals of Trump II have been getting even with the known offenses against him and his movement, and finding ways to enrich himself and his allies. The proposed solution, if passed, would accomplish both in one fell swoop.
And so, it’s time to leave…
Unbeknownst to you, Eurovision – Europe’s top annual song contest – is back. It is already over for the finals, which will start at 3pm EDT tomorrow. If you want to catch up fast, NPR has just the piece for you here.
Have a great weekend, and we’ll see you back here on Monday!
