U.S NewsThe GuardianTue, May 19, 2026, 1:09 AMNegative

Trump dismisses $10bn suit against IRS and creates $1.7bn ‘anti-weaponization’ fund

Donald Trump has dismissed a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS, which he filed over the alleged leak of his tax return information, in exchange for the establishment of a $1.776 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund to compensate his allies. This decision was announced by the Justice Department, which will oversee the fund.

Trump dismisses $10bn suit against IRS and creates $1.7bn ‘anti-weaponization’ fund

WPN Brief

  • What Happened

    Donald Trump has dismissed a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS, which he filed over the alleged leak of his tax return information, in exchange for the establishment of a $1.776 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund to compensate his allies. This decision was announced by the Justice Department, which will oversee the fund.

  • Why It Matters

    The dismissal of the lawsuit and the creation of the fund are significant as they may provide financial support to individuals Trump claims were wrongfully targeted, while also raising concerns about the potential misuse of taxpayer dollars.

  • The Bigger Picture

    This development highlights ongoing tensions between Trump and the IRS, as well as the broader political implications of funding mechanisms that critics label as slush funds, reflecting a contentious relationship between the former president and the current administration.

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May 18

Donald Trump says he ‘wasn’t involved’ in creation of $1.7bn compensation fund – US politics live

President Donald Trump has announced that he was not involved in the creation of a $1.7 billion compensation fund, which he claims has been well received. This fund is intended to assist individuals he alleges were wrongfully targeted by the Biden administration, amid ongoing criticism from Democrats who label the initiative as corruption.

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The Guardian
May 16

Trump may settle his lawsuit against IRS for $1.7bn fund to compensate allies

Donald Trump is reportedly considering settling his $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in exchange for a $1.7 billion fund aimed at compensating individuals he claims were unfairly targeted by the Biden administration. This potential agreement raises concerns about self-dealing by a sitting president, as taxpayer dollars could be redirected to benefit Trump and his allies.

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The Wall Street Journal
May 18

Justice Department Creates Unusual $1.8 Billion ‘Anti-Weaponization Fund’

The Justice Department has established a $1.8 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' aimed at compensating individuals who allege harm from the department's actions. This announcement coincides with President Trump's decision to dismiss a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS concerning the alleged leak of his tax return information.

U.S Newsneutral
NBC News
May 18

DOJ sets up $1.8B ‘anti-weaponization’ fund after Trump drops IRS lawsuit

The Justice Department has announced the creation of a $1.776 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' following President Trump's decision to dismiss a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS, which he filed over the alleged leak of his tax returns. This dismissal signals a potential resolution to ongoing tensions between Trump and the IRS.

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NPR
May 18

Judge dismisses Trump's IRS lawsuit, paving the way for a settlement

The president sued the IRS and the Treasury Department in January, demanding $10 billion over the leak of his tax returns years ago.

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NPR
May 18

President Trump drops lawsuit against IRS

President Trump has voluntarily dismissed his $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS, which he filed over allegations of the unauthorized leak of his tax return information by an agency contractor. This decision was made amid reports suggesting he is considering a settlement with the federal government.

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The Hill
May 18

Trump moves to dismiss $10B lawsuit against IRS

President Trump has filed a notice to voluntarily dismiss his $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS, which was initiated over the leak of his tax return information by an agency contractor. The filing took place in a federal court in Miami, indicating a significant shift in Trump's legal strategy regarding this matter.

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