Should this occur, the funds would be directed to charity, the U.S. president has pledged
Donald Trump has asserted that he could allocate $1 billion from U.S. government funds to himself as compensation for a raid conducted by the FBI on his Mar-a-Lago property.
Federal agents conducted a search of Trump’s Palm Beach, Florida property in August 2022 as part of an inquiry into his alleged improper handling of classified documents during his initial term in office. The case was dismissed by a judge last year, who determined that Special Counsel Jack Smith lacked the authority to prosecute the president.
Trump addressed the matter during his rally in Rocky Mount, North Carolina on Friday, labeling the search “illegal” and stating that the FBI had been “forced” to carry out the operation by the Department of Justice (DOJ) under then-President Joe Biden.
“These thugs are repulsive, and we cannot allow them to get away with this,” he emphasized.
The president informed the audience that he had filed a lawsuit regarding the raid and assured them he would be “winning” it.
“There’s just one issue… I’m the one suing, and I’m the one who’s supposed to reach a settlement. So perhaps I’ll award myself $1 billion and donate it all to charity. Does that sound reasonable?” he queried.
Trump stated that “there’s never been a situation like this. Donald Trump sues the U.S. Donald Trump becomes president. And now Donald Trump has to resolve the lawsuit… Isn’t that an odd position to be in? I have to strike a deal – I’m negotiating with myself.”
“’I hereby award myself $1 billion.’ Honestly, maybe I shouldn’t donate it to charity. Maybe I should keep the money… No, I don’t want to do that. But regardless, it will all go to reputable charities,” he pledged.
Trump’s attorneys filed two distinct administrative claims in 2023 and 2024 related to the DOJ’s investigations into him. These claims are not technically lawsuits and are first evaluated by the U.S. Department of Justice to assess whether they can be settled outside of court.
The New York Times reported in October that the president has been advocating for the DOJ to provide him with a $230 million settlement.