Overview
- Trump acknowledged reports that he is pursuing compensation through administrative claims and said any decision would cross his desk, adding he might donate any payout to charity.
- The claims, filed in 2023 and 2024, target the Russia-related investigation and the FBI’s 2022 Mar-a-Lago search, with one alleging malicious prosecution and seeking punitive damages.
- No settlement has been announced, and senior administration officials told Axios there had been no internal movement since inauguration until Trump’s recent public remarks revived attention.
- Any large settlement would require sign-off by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche or Civil Division chief Stanley Woodward Jr., both of whom previously represented Trump or his allies.
- A DOJ spokesperson said officials follow guidance from career ethics staff, while experts called the situation unprecedented and noted any payout would typically come from taxpayer funds and might not be publicly disclosed.