Mike Pence has long broken with his former boss Donald Trump.Image: keystone
Former US Vice President Mike Pence openly opposes a project by Donald Trump. The planned compensation fund for alleged victims of politically motivated criminal prosecution is “deeply offensive,” says Pence.
May 31, 2026, 10:37 p.mMay 31, 2026, 10:37 p.m
The Trump administration announced a $1.8 billion fund earlier this month. This is intended to compensate people who, in the government’s opinion, have been treated unfairly by authorities or the judiciary.
What is particularly controversial is that people who were convicted of their involvement in the storming of the Capitol on January 6, 2021 could also benefit.
Pence criticizes possible compensation for Capitol stormers
Pence, who was in the Capitol during the attack and had to be brought to safety, now spoke out clearly.
He finds it “deeply offensive” that a fund is being created that could potentially compensate people who attacked police officers or vandalized the Capitol. This view is shared by most Republicans and Americans.
Around 140 police officers were injured in the attack on the Capitol. In total, almost 1,600 people were prosecuted.
Criticism also from within our own ranks
The fund is based on a settlement between Trump and the US tax authority IRS. Trump sued the agency after his tax records became public. As part of a settlement, the IRS apologized and the fund was set up at the same time.
The project also faces resistance within the Republican Party. Several prominent Republicans called the idea “stupid” or openly rejected it. A Republican congressman even announced that he would introduce legislation against the fund.
Court temporarily stops project
On Friday, a federal judge temporarily suspended the creation of the fund. A hearing is scheduled for next month.
The Ministry of Justice, however, defends the project and speaks of it as a legally well-supported measure. Judges will not allow themselves to be prevented from providing compensation to alleged victims of politically motivated criminal prosecution.
Trump receives support, among others, from Republican politicians who view the investigation into the Capitol storm as a political witch hunt. (mke)