Story perspectives

Trump Grants Immunity, Proposes $1.8 B Riot-Funding Slush

5/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump signed a settlement granting immunity to him and his family and creating a $1.8 billion slush fund.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the fund could pay the 1,600 Capitol rioters.
Senate Republicans refused to allocate $1.8 billion, prompting Senator Mitch McConnell to call the slush-fund proposal stupid and immoral.
President Donald Trump publicly targeted Republican officials who opposed him, naming Congressman Thomas Massie and Senator Bill Cassidy.

History

Historical Context

On September 8 1974 President Gerald Ford issued Proclamation 4311, granting Richard Nixon a full pardon for any crimes tied to the Watergate scandal. The move ended pending prosecutions, sparked a Gallup poll showing only 38 % public support, and helped fuel the 1974 midterm Democratic surge that later contributed to Ford’s 1976 election loss.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump signed a settlement granting immunity to him and his family and creating a $1.8 billion slush fund.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the fund could pay the 1,600 Capitol rioters.
Senate Republicans refused to allocate $1.8 billion, prompting Senator Mitch McConnell to call the slush-fund proposal stupid and immoral.
President Donald Trump publicly targeted Republican officials who opposed him, naming Congressman Thomas Massie and Senator Bill Cassidy.

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