Trump Faces Bipartisan Backlash Over Proposed Jan. 6 Rioter Payouts
President Donald Trump faced bipartisan criticism after suggesting taxpayer payouts for Jan. 6 rioters, including those who assaulted police, during an NBC News “Meet the Press” interview. While Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche previously testified the $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund was dead, Trump called the idea “great,” prompting planned legislation from Sen. Adam Schiff to bar such payments.
Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., stated Monday that the planned fund should serve people whose constitutional rights were violated, not those who violated the rights of others. Hawley noted that individuals convicted of assaulting police officers do not seem like “victims.”
Rep. Nick LaLota, R-N.Y., added that there is no support in Congress for payouts to people who committed crimes against police. LaLota cited video evidence as a reason these individuals “shouldn’t get a dime from our government.”
Why is Sen. Adam Schiff introducing new legislation?
Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., told NBC News he plans to introduce a bill this week to block taxpayer-funded payouts for anyone convicted of offenses related to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack or interference in recent presidential elections. Schiff said the bill is necessary to ensure the administration cannot use “some other mechanism” to pay rioters.
Schiff argued that the word of the attorney general is “not good enough under any circumstance.” This comes as the president continues to suggest rioters were unfairly targeted by prosecutors and deserve compensation.
How could the nomination of Todd Blanche be affected?
Todd Blanche, Trump’s former personal attorney, was officially nominated for Attorney General on Monday. He had previously served in an acting capacity for two months and testified under oath last week that the anti-weaponization fund was dead.
The confirmation process may be “bruising,” according to report details. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., said he needs to be convinced whether Blanche will act as the attorney general or as the president’s personal attorney.
Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, expressed concerns regarding the “balancing act” of the role. Cornyn noted that the AG is the chief legal officer for the United States and not the president’s lawyer, despite being a Cabinet member who can be fired at any time.
What may happen next with the Justice Department leadership?
Blanche’s path to confirmation could be difficult if all Democrats oppose him. He would likely need the support of Republicans on the Judiciary Committee and all but three members of the full Senate to be confirmed.
Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., indicated he is comfortable with Blanche’s promise that the fund is gone, calling the president’s comments a “prerogative” in a free country. However, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., suggested the issue could become an “albatross” for Republicans ahead of the November midterm elections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “anti-weaponization” fund?
It is a proposed $1.8 billion Justice Department fund that President Trump described as a “great idea” to compensate Jan. 6 rioters he believes were unfairly targeted.
Who is Todd Blanche?
Blanche is a former personal attorney for Donald Trump who has served as acting attorney general for two months and was officially nominated for the permanent post on Monday.
Do Republicans support payouts for Jan. 6 rioters?
Several Republicans have expressed opposition. Sen. Josh Hawley and Rep. Nick LaLota specifically stated that those convicted of assaulting police officers should not receive taxpayer funds.
Do you believe the Attorney General should function as the president’s lawyer or as an independent chief legal officer for the country?