President Donald Trump announced that his legal team is pursuing damages from the Department of Justice (DOJ). He made this statement during a press briefing in the Oval Office, claiming the DOJ had "rigged the election." Trump emphasized that he would donate any money received to charity, despite the conflict of interest involved in the situation.
When asked about the specific amount his team is seeking, Trump said he was unsure but believed it would be a significant sum. He mentioned that this case is different from others he has settled, such as those with CBS and ABC, where he received $16 million and $15 million, respectively. He noted the challenge of deciding how much he would pay himself in damages, stating, “It’s awfully strange to make a decision where I’m paying myself.”
According to a report from The New York Times, Trump’s legal team is seeking $230 million from the DOJ in relation to past investigations into his conduct. This includes inquiries into his 2016 campaign and a special counsel investigation regarding alleged ties to Russia. The first complaints were filed in 2023, before Trump began his second term. A second complaint was submitted in 2024 concerning the investigation into his handling of classified documents, which included an FBI raid on his Mar-a-Lago residence.
These complaints are currently administrative claims with the DOJ, which means they may not lead to a lawsuit. Trump pointed out that the current leadership at the DOJ was appointed by him, which adds a layer of complexity to the situation. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche is one of the officials who can approve settlements for these claims.
As this story develops, it highlights the ongoing legal battles surrounding Trump and the implications of his claims against the DOJ.
