Washington: US President Donald Trump has come forward to defend a proposed $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund, which he believes would support individuals allegedly harmed by politically motivated government actions. Trump argued that the fund would provide a review process for individual cases and offer compensation to those he claimed were targeted by ‘crooked politicians’ and ‘radical left lunatics’ within the federal government.

According to Anadolu Agency, Trump expressed his belief that the fund could prevent the severe impacts of government actions, including loss of life, family, employment, and overall livelihoods. He further alleged that some individuals were unjustly imprisoned and criticized certain investigators as ‘thugs’ and ‘dirty cops’ who engaged in what he described as a ‘fake weaponization of government.’

In discussions about potential payouts, Trump did not dismiss the possibility of the fund compensating individuals convicted of assaulting police officers during the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot. While he stated he ‘wouldn’t be inclined’ to support such payments, he claimed many participants were ‘ushered’ into the Capitol by FBI agents and deserved compensation for being ‘destroyed by dirty cops and by weaponization.’

The fund was initially announced by the Justice Department as part of a settlement involving Trump’s tax returns, but Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed that the $1.8 billion program would not proceed after a federal court ruling suspended the disbursement of funds.

The interview with NBC News concluded abruptly when Trump criticized major media outlets for biased coverage, referring to them as ‘fake dirty press.’ He decided to end the interview following a disagreement over his claims of fraud in the 2020 presidential election and election-related issues in California. Trump maintained his stance that he won the 2020 election in a ‘landslide,’ despite facing predominantly negative media coverage.