Trump seeks $230 million from US Justice Department over probes

President Donald Trump has filed administrative claims seeking $230 million from the US Justice Department, alleging damages from investigations into his 2016 campaign and the 2022 search of his Mar-a-Lago residence. The compensation bid, among the largest ever sought by a sitting president, centers on probes that Trump's legal team characterizes as politically motivated and improperly conducted.

Dual Investigations Form Basis of Claim

Trump's attorneys submitted two separate claims targeting different investigations. The first addresses the inquiry into connections between Trump's 2016 campaign and Russian election interference, which received confirmation from US intelligence agencies and congressional investigators. The second claim focuses on the FBI's execution of a search warrant at Trump's Florida estate, alleging improper conduct by special counsel Jack Smith's team and violation of privacy rights during the classified documents investigation.

Ethical Questions Surround Decision Makers

The settlement process faces potential conflict of interest concerns because several senior Justice Department officials previously represented Trump or his associates. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who defended Trump in multiple cases, and Associate Attorney General Stan Woodward, who represented Trump aide Walt Nauta, would potentially review the claims. A department spokesman stated that all officials follow ethics guidance, though Attorney General Pam Bondi previously dismissed the department's top ethics adviser.

Legal Context and Charitable Pledges

When questioned about the claims, President Trump stated he wasn't directly involved in negotiations and suggested any awarded funds would go to charity. However, his previous charitable foundation dissolved in 2018 following allegations of fund misuse for campaign and personal benefit. The compensation bid emerges as most criminal cases against Trump were dismissed following his 2024 election victory, though he now enjoys presidential immunity from prosecution while in office.