January 6 defendants pursue millions in claims through obscure federal process
Federal Tort Claims Act, over which DoJ has total discretion, provides workaround to Trump’s $1.8bn slush fund
TL;DR
- January 6 defendants are using the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) to seek millions in damages from the Trump administration.
- The FTCA allows individuals wronged by the government to file claims, with the Justice Department having complete discretion over settlements.
- These claims could be paid from the judgment fund, the same source planned for Trump's $1.8bn "anti-weaponization fund."
- Bipartisan pushback occurred over the "anti-weaponization fund" due to concerns about compensating those who harmed law enforcement.
- Legal experts warn that the FTCA process could turn the judgment fund into a "slush fund" if not properly managed.
- Some defendants are represented by attorney Peter Ticktin, who has filed approximately 400 FTCA claims.
- Defendants like Kenneth Joseph Thomas and John George Todd III are seeking at least $1 million, alleging unfair prosecution.
- Andrew Taake is seeking at least $2.5 million, citing inadequate medical treatment and an unfair trial.
- Legislation has been proposed to bar individuals convicted of January 6th-related offenses or pardoned for them from receiving federal payouts.