• President demands taxpayer funds for federal investigations that led to criminal indictments
• Senior DOJ officials who will approve settlement previously defended Trump in criminal cases
• Ethics experts call situation unprecedented with fundamental conflicts of interest

WASHINGTON, D.C. (TDR) — President Donald Trump defended his reported attempt to obtain $230 million from taxpayers when confronted by a journalist Tuesday, acknowledging the Department of Justice probably owes him money for past investigations. The president’s demand comes as his own appointees, including former criminal defense attorneys, now hold positions to approve the unprecedented settlement.

The New York Times reported Tuesday that Trump filed administrative claims seeking compensation for federal investigations conducted during the Biden administration. One claim from 2023 seeks damages for the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and possible connections to Trump’s campaign. A second claim filed in 2024 accuses the FBI of violating his privacy during the 2022 search of Mar-a-Lago for classified documents and alleges malicious prosecution.

White House confrontation reveals details

When asked about the compensation demand during an Oval Office appearance, Trump initially seemed confused but then acknowledged the claim. “I guess they probably owe me a lot of money for that, probably,” Trump said. “But as far as all of the litigation, everything, yeah, they probably owe me a lot of money.”

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10

The president insisted any money received would go to charity or White House restoration projects. “If I get money from our country, I’ll do something nice with it like to give it to charity or give it to the White House, where we restore the White House,” Trump said, referencing his $250 million ballroom reconstruction project currently underway.

Unprecedented ethical conflicts emerge

The situation presents what legal experts describe as fundamental ethical conflicts. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche represented Trump in both the classified documents case and the Jan. 6 case before his DOJ appointment. Associate Attorney General Stan Woodward Jr. represented Walt Nauta, Trump’s co-defendant in the classified documents case.

Justice Department policy requires settlements exceeding $4 million to receive approval from the deputy attorney general or associate attorney general, meaning Trump’s former defense attorneys would decide his claim.

“What a travesty,” Pace University ethics professor Bennett L. Gershman told the Times. “The ethical conflict is just so basic and fundamental, you don’t need a law professor to explain it.”

Cases dropped after election victory

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE THE DUPREE REPORT

Special Counsel Jack Smith prosecuted Trump in two separate federal cases during the Biden administration. Grand juries indicted the then-former president for retaining classified documents and attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Trump pleaded not guilty to all charges, which were dropped after he won the 2024 election due to longstanding DOJ policy barring prosecution of sitting presidents.

Trump previously acknowledged the awkward situation during an Oct. 15 Oval Office event with Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel. “I have a lawsuit that was doing very well, and when I became president, I said I’m sort of suing myself,” Trump said. “It sort of looks bad, I’m suing myself, right?”

Should a president be able to seek taxpayer compensation for investigations that resulted in criminal indictments?

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10