Five years after the assault on the Capitol, several of the participants in the riots of January 6, 2021 could receive financial compensation promoted by Donald Trump’s administration. The measure is part of a new federal fund of $1,776 million—a symbolic figure that refers to the year of American independence—and has caused enthusiasm among those pardonedThe New York Times reported.
The call Anti-Armamentation Fund was created following an agreement related to a lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Although the fund is not aimed exclusively at those who participated in the assault on the Capitol, many of those accused and pardoned believe that they were victims of political persecution and they believe they could receive million-dollar payments.
“I’m glad that it has become something that can help people who have been suffering for quite some time,” said Antony Vo, one of the January 6 participants quoted by the aforementioned outlet.
Even, Vo temporarily fled the country to avoid a sentence derived from the riots and now claims to feel “surprised, relieved and grateful” at the possibility of receiving financial support.
Trump once again supports the accused
Since the beginning of his second term, Donald Trump has reinforced his support for the January 6 participants. One of his first official acts was to grant pardons or drop charges against nearly 1,600 people related to the attack on the Capitol.
Later, also prompted changes within the Department of Justice and criticized federal investigations conducted during the Biden administration.
Now, with the creation of the new fund, the debate reignited. “These were people who They were instrumentalized and brutally treated by an extremely corrupt system,” Trump told reporters when referring to those charged on January 6.
Among those who publicly celebrated the news is Enrique Tarrio, former leader of the far-right group Proud Boys, who had been sentenced to 22 years in prison for seditious conspiracy before benefiting from the actions promoted by Trump.
“There are many questions, but it is a good path”declared Tarrio on the merits.
The media also mentions that some participants are already talking about how they could use the money: buy houses, cars, clean up your reputation on the web or even finance political campaigns.
Criticism for “rewarding” extremism
The initiative has generated an immediate reaction from civil organizations, analysts and political figures who believe that the government is legitimizing violent acts against American democracy.
Amy Spitalnick, executive director of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, warned that Giving money to those who participated in the assault could send a dangerous message.
“This shows that extremism bears fruit, literally,” he stated.
The activist added that for years conspiracy theories were normalized in American politics and now, she says, even could be financially rewarded.
The fund could also benefit other Trump allies who faced federal investigations, including anti-abortion activists, former presidential advisers and people who allege they were politically persecuted.
Even James Comeyformer director of the FBI and critic of Trump, joked about the possibility of requesting money.
“I guess I’ll be on the waiting list,” he declared in an interview with CNN.
For now, there is still no clarity on how the process for submitting applications will work or who will ultimately be eligible to receive compensation.
Reporter: The DOJ has this contemporary fund — $1.7 billion. Why will possess to amassed taxpayers pay for the January 6ers?
Trump: Because in my world, loyalty outranks law. They broke the suggestions for me, so you pay the invoice for them. That’s the transaction. pic.twitter.com/pR71BdWkhY
— chiky handler (@chiky_handlr) Can also objective 19, 2026
Keep reading:
- Supreme Court Helps Trump Administration Dismiss Charges Against Steve Bannon
- The man pardoned by Trump for storming the Capitol was found guilty of child sexual abuse
