Trump's Controversial Compensation Claim Faces Legal Hurdles

thị trường crypto Former President Donald Trump is making headlines with his recent request for the US Justice Department to pay him a staggering $230 million. This claim, reported by the New York Times, is founded on questionable legal assertions that experts suggest would likely be dismissed if any other American were to make them.

Trump’s compensation demand stems from two distinct claims. He alleges that he deserves financial restitution due to investigations into the connections between Russia and his 2016 campaign, as well as the 2022 search for classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate, which led to his subsequent criminal prosecution.

In the claim related to the Mar-a-Lago incident, Trump argues that he faced an invasion of privacy, malicious prosecution, and abuse of process. This ambitious proposal has raised eyebrows across the political landscape, with concerns about potential corruption given that the two officials within the Justice Department who could approve these claims are allies and appointees of Trump.

This move has alarmed many, prompting House Democrats to send a letter to the Justice Department, labeling Trump’s attempt as “blatantly illegal and unconstitutional.” The situation has sparked discussions about the implications of such claims within the US political landscape.

Trump's Controversial Compensation Claim Faces Legal Hurdles Trump is seeking compensation under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), which permits individuals to file for damages against the federal government. To initiate a claim, individuals must first file an administrative claim. The government is then allotted six months to either resolve or deny the claim. Should the government fail to respond, or if the claim is denied, the individual is permitted to file a lawsuit.

As of now, the government has not responded to either of Trump’s claims, and he has yet to file a lawsuit. Legal experts emphasize that successfully recovering damages under the FTCA is notoriously challenging.

The New York Times has published the form Trump used for his claim regarding the Mar-a-Lago raid, which is the only claim that has been made public thus far. In it, Trump requested $100 million in compensation. A memo attached to the claim also sought $100 million in punitive damages, stating that the former president incurred $15 million in actual harm due to legal fees associated with the case.

News Interestingly, there appears to be a discrepancy in the claim's documentation; the cover sheet requests $100 million, while the memo totals $115 million in damages. Notably, Trump's legal expenses for this case have been funded by his Super PAC, Save America, and he has engaged six attorneys, including Todd Blanche, who currently serves as the deputy attorney general.

In a statement to reporters, Trump mentioned that he would donate any money received from a potential settlement to charity. However, his history of making charitable commitments that do not come to fruition raises skepticism about his intentions.

The amount Trump is requesting is significantly higher than the average settlement awarded by the Justice Department under the FTCA. A review by the Guardian of FTCA claims settled administratively between 2020 and 2024 reveals that the average payout during this period was approximately $51,684. The largest settlement recorded during this time was notably less than Trump's demand.

Trump’s pursuit of compensation from the federal government raises important questions about the integrity of the US justice system and the potential for abuse of power. As this situation unfolds, it will likely continue to be a focal point in US news and politics, highlighting the complex interplay between legal claims and political influence.