RismadarVoice Reporters, May 22, 2026
Applications are already being submitted for President Donald Trump’s proposed $1.8 billion “anti-weaponisation” compensation fund, even though the programme has not officially commenced and key administrative structures are yet to be put in place, according to U.S. officials.
The fund, announced this week following a settlement involving Trump, members of his family, and the Trump Organisation, is intended to compensate individuals who claim they were victims of government overreach or political targeting.
However, the process for filing claims has not formally begun, as commissioners who will oversee the distribution of funds have yet to be appointed. An administration official told NBC News that no commissioners are currently in place, despite being a requirement before claims can be processed.
According to the Justice Department, millions of people may be eligible for compensation under the programme, which it says is designed for individuals who were subjected to alleged government censorship, investigations, or other forms of official action.
The department is currently working on guidelines, with five commissioners expected to be appointed in the coming weeks. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche will oversee the selections, with Congress expected to have input in at least one appointment. The president, however, will retain the power to dismiss commissioners at will.
Despite the absence of formal procedures, reports indicate that applications are already being submitted to the Justice Department, although it remains unclear how they are being processed or recorded.
A Justice Department briefing sent to Republican Senate offices reportedly stated that “tens of millions of Americans” could be eligible for the programme.
The initiative has drawn criticism from both sides of the political divide, with opponents describing it as lacking transparency and oversight. Some lawmakers have also raised concerns about its structure and potential use of public funds.
Senator Thom Tillis described the fund as a “payout pot for punks,” arguing that potential recipients do not deserve restitution.
Under the proposed framework, claims would be assessed individually by the yet-to-be-appointed commissioners, who would also be required to consider applicants’ conduct and personal history.
The programme is expected to run until 2028, subject to legal challenges and possible congressional or judicial intervention.
Applications are reportedly being submitted via informal channels, including written correspondence, as interested individuals attempt to position themselves ahead of the official rollout.
Among those indicating interest are political figures and activists aligned with Trump, as well as former officials and individuals involved in legal disputes with the U.S. government.
Officials have emphasised that submitting an application does not guarantee approval or payment, and eligibility criteria will only be fully defined once the commission is established.
