Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

pat_k

(13,902 posts)
7. At least WAPO had the decency to put it in quotes.
Thu May 21, 2026, 03:00 PM
Thursday

Yeah, it's an editorial... I would sure love to see the quotes used in other reporting.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2026/05/21/congressional-republicans-can-block-trump-weaponization-fund/

The Trump administration’s creation of a $1.776 billion fund of taxpayer money under the president’s control to pay favored individuals outside the judicial process is drawing bipartisan condemnation. “From all outward appearances, this doesn’t pass the smell test,” said Sen. John Curtis (R-Utah). “We’re considering legislative options,” added Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pennsylvania). “You can’t do that.”

...The “Anti-Weaponization Fund” announced this week is part of the “settlement” of President Donald Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS over the leak of his tax returns by a contractor in 2019 and 2020.

Recommendations

1 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

Ari Melber called it a "Thug" Fund. yellow dahlia Thursday #1
At least WAPO had the decency to put it in quotes. pat_k Thursday #7
Weisman called it theft. GoodRaisin Thursday #10
And so it is. Attempted theft. However you look at it. pat_k Friday #25
If Trump robbed a bank at gunpoint, everyone would just call it a "settlement." Irish_Dem Thursday #2
The next president better check that he hasn't made off with fort knox gold a la Marcos. pat_k Thursday #8
100% certain trump has already made off with some gold Irish_Dem Thursday #9
Given his obsession with gold, you're probably right. pat_k Thursday #24
He keeps talking about checking to make sure none of it has been stolen. Irish_Dem Friday #26
or shot someone on Fifth Avenue MadameButterfly Thursday #18
Part of his presidential duties. Irish_Dem Thursday #20
Essentially it's an extortion payout...nt Wounded Bear Thursday #3
It's not even that because there was no threat. pat_k Thursday #4
Understand it was a setup. Start a bogus "threat" of a lawsuit and then settle out of court... Wounded Bear Thursday #5
Yep. Add the con about hey, the IRS cannot audit me for that crime AND Justice matters. Thursday #6
Well said! The judge herself noted clearly that there was NO "settlement." spooky3 Thursday #11
Al least The Prospect makes this clear... pat_k Thursday #14
"Cop beaters" slush fund.......Sheldon Whitehouse Bengus81 Thursday #12
One or two cops were killed. MLWR Thursday #13
Officer Brian Sicknick's death the following night was clearly a direct result pat_k Thursday #19
Cop killers reward money. BattleRow Thursday #22
"Anti Law Enforcement Slush Fund" RB77 Thursday #23
Judge is taking the position that the lawsuit does not include any settlement LetMyPeopleVote Thursday #15
"there is no settlement of record" pat_k Thursday #17
SETTLEMENT MY ASS! BBbats Thursday #16
The fact that even some trumpublicans balked speaks to how monumentally corrupt it is. pat_k Friday #27
Amen. SergeStorms Thursday #21
Right after I start. Iggo Friday #28
The plea was to news outlets... even half-way decent ones, that persist in calling it a "settlement" pat_k Friday #29
Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Stop calling it an f-ing ...»Reply #7