Trump lawyer-turned-critic Michael Cohen says he's applying for "anti-weaponization fund" claim
CBS News • • general
Key Points:
- Michael Cohen, former Trump lawyer turned critic, plans to apply for compensation from the Justice Department's new $1.776 billion "anti-weaponization fund," which offers relief to individuals who claim the legal system was used against them politically.
- The fund stems from a settlement resolving a lawsuit by Trump against the IRS over leaked tax returns, and Cohen argues his experiences of legal and personal damage mirror the basis for Trump's lawsuit.
- Cohen, who served prison time for campaign finance violations and lying to Congress, asserts that politically motivated law enforcement tactics destroyed his career and reputation, and he is drafting a letter to submit to the DOJ.
- The fund has attracted interest from both Trump critics like Cohen and Trump allies, including former adviser Michael Caputo, but has faced bipartisan criticism and ethical concerns over its creation and purpose.
- The Justice Department maintains the fund is nonpartisan and aims to address abuses of power, with a panel appointed by the attorney general set to decide on claims.