Top Treasury Lawyer Quits as Trump's $1.7B Fund Sparks Outrage

A Major Resignation in the Treasury Department

A prominent lawyer within the Treasury Department has reportedly stepped down following the announcement of a $1.7 billion fund by the Trump administration. This fund is designed to distribute taxpayer money to individuals who are considered allies of the president and have been investigated by previous administrations.

Brian Morrissey, who served as the general counsel for the Treasury, left his position just seven months after being confirmed by the Senate. In his resignation letter, he expressed gratitude to Secretary Scott Bessent and President Donald Trump, according to sources familiar with the situation.

Morrissey's departure occurred shortly after the Justice Department revealed the creation of an “anti-weaponization fund.” This initiative aims to compensate those who the administration claims were wrongly investigated or prosecuted, including individuals involved in the January 6 events.

The fund has drawn significant criticism from Democrats such as Hillary Clinton and numerous lawmakers, including Republican Senator Bill Cassidy. Critics have labeled it a "slush fund," arguing that it undermines the integrity of the legal system.

Although Morrissey did not publicly state that his resignation was linked to the billion-dollar fund, the Treasury Department would be responsible for distributing payments to individuals who claim that the Biden administration weaponized the government’s legal system against them. A spokesperson for the Treasury confirmed Morrissey's exit, highlighting his service with honor and integrity.

The Independent has reached out to the Justice Department and Morrissey for further comments. The controversy surrounding the fund has sparked outrage among lawmakers, activists, and legal professionals, who accuse the president and members of the Justice Department of prioritizing politics over the rule of law.

Gregg Nunziata, a conservative lawyer and Executive Director for the Rule of Law, criticized the fund on X, stating that senior DOJ leadership has put politics before the law and compromised their oaths.

Senator Bill Cassidy, who recently lost his primary after a falling out with Trump, expressed concerns about the lack of legal precedent for the fund and emphasized the need for congressional approval. He noted that people are more concerned about their livelihoods than about creating a slush fund without proper legal backing.

Robert Reich, former secretary of labor under the Clinton administration, remarked that he had never seen anything like the creation of the “slush fund” in his 50 years in politics. He compared it to the actions of Nixon, suggesting that it makes him look like a boy scout.

Scott Jennings, a conservative political commentator who has supported Trump, admitted on CNN’s NewsNight that the fund made him feel “a little uncomfortable.”

Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, called on Republican colleagues to “put a stop to this rank corruption,” referring to the settlement as a “slush fund.”

The $1.7 billion fund emerged through an unusual resolution to a lawsuit brought by Trump, his sons, and his businesses against the IRS over leaked tax returns. In exchange for dropping the $10 billion lawsuit, the DOJ agreed to create the settlement. This would allow individuals who believe they were unfairly targeted by the Justice Department under the Biden administration to receive compensation. A commission of five, appointed by the attorney general, would determine who is eligible for payment and the amount they receive.

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