Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) on Wednesday urged Congress to take control of a newly created $1.776 billion Department of Justice fund designed to compensate individuals the administration argues were wronged by the federal government, marking another public break between the Louisiana Republican and President Trump.
Cassidy, who lost his primary last weekend, posted on X that Americans are struggling with everyday costs like mortgages, rent, and groceries—not worrying about a fund that, in his view, lacks legal precedent and accountability. “This is adding to our national debt. If there needs to be a settlement, the administration should bring it to Congress to decide,” he wrote.
The fund, announced Monday by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, is part of a settlement in Trump’s now-withdrawn $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS over a contractor’s leak of his tax returns. It will be managed by five board members selected by Blanche, with one chosen “in consultation with congressional leadership.” As part of the deal, the IRS is also barred from examining Trump’s prior tax returns.
Democrats have slammed the fund as a slush fund for Trump and his allies, including those convicted in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. Michael Caputo, a longtime Trump ally and former HHS spokesperson, became the first known person to request restitution—seeking $2.7 million on Tuesday.
Cassidy’s criticism adds to growing GOP unease. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) told reporters Wednesday he and colleagues will “try to kill” the fund and sent a letter to Blanche demanding more details by June 1. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) also expressed skepticism, saying, “I’m not a big fan… I don’t see a purpose for that.”
The Louisiana senator’s stance is part of a broader rift with Trump since his primary defeat. On Tuesday, Cassidy became the fourth GOP senator to advance a war powers resolution directing Trump to withdraw U.S. forces from Iran, which passed 50-47. He also questioned the president’s request for up to $1 billion in reconciliation funding to build a 90,000-square-foot ballroom at the White House, saying, “I just don’t get it.”
The fund’s creation has sparked legal challenges, with a former Capitol officer suing to block it. Meanwhile, the administration defends it as a mechanism to address grievances, though critics warn it could set a dangerous precedent for executive-branch spending without legislative oversight.
For more on the growing GOP split, see Senate GOP Split on Trump's $1B Ballroom Security as Reconciliation Vote Looms and Fitzpatrick Demands Answers on Trump's $1.78B 'Anti-Weaponization' Fund.
