Story perspectives

Michael Cohen seeks payout from $1.8B anti-weaponization fund

5/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen is drafting a letter to the Justice Department to seek compensation from the new anti-weaponization fund.
The $1.8 billion fund, created after U.S. President Donald Trump’s settlement, offers payouts to anyone claiming politically motivated law-enforcement targeting, with no partisan eligibility and review by a five-person panel.
Potential claimants cited include former FBI Director James Comey and former Trump adviser Michael Caputo, who has already requested $2.7 million.

History

Historical Context

The 1978 Ethics in Government Act, passed after the Watergate scandal, created an independent-counsel system funded with $2.5 million and upheld by the 1988 Morrison v. Olson decision. Today the Justice Department runs a $1.8 b anti-weaponization fund overseen by a five-member panel, drawing prominent claims from Michael Cohen, James Comey and Michael Caputo.

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Story summary

Former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen is drafting a letter to the Justice Department to seek compensation from the new anti-weaponization fund.
The $1.8 billion fund, created after U.S. President Donald Trump’s settlement, offers payouts to anyone claiming politically motivated law-enforcement targeting, with no partisan eligibility and review by a five-person panel.
Potential claimants cited include former FBI Director James Comey and former Trump adviser Michael Caputo, who has already requested $2.7 million.

1 / 2