Story perspectives

Trump Pardons Rioters, Launches $1.7 B Fund, Faces Lawsuit

5/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

After the Justice Department removed pages on Jan. 6 indictments before Memorial Day weekend, President Donald Trump pardoned defendants and created a $1.7 billion anti-weaponization fund.
Brendan Ballou, two Capitol Police officers and a coalition of prosecutors sued the fund, saying it rewards illegal actions against law enforcement.
Republican Senators Thom Tillis and Mitch McConnell denounced the fund as a payout for rioters while President Trump claims the 2020 election was stolen.

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Story summary

After the Justice Department removed pages on Jan. 6 indictments before Memorial Day weekend, President Donald Trump pardoned defendants and created a $1.7 billion anti-weaponization fund.
Brendan Ballou, two Capitol Police officers and a coalition of prosecutors sued the fund, saying it rewards illegal actions against law enforcement.
Republican Senators Thom Tillis and Mitch McConnell denounced the fund as a payout for rioters while President Trump claims the 2020 election was stolen.