Jan. 6 Capitol Police Officers Sue to Block Trump's $1.8B Political Persecution Compensation Fund

Two US Capitol Police officers who defended the Capitol on January 6, 2021 filed a federal lawsuit on May 21, 2026 to block payouts from the Trump administration's newly-created nearly $1.8 billion compensation fund designed to compensate individuals who claim they suffered political persecution. The fund, authorized by executive action, was established to provide reparations to people who allege they were unfairly prosecuted or targeted by federal agencies for political reasons — a framework that critics say is primarily designed to benefit January 6 participants, Trump allies, and others prosecuted under the Biden-era DOJ. The Capitol Police officers argue the fund is an illegal use of federal funds and an affront to law enforcement personnel who were assaulted and injured defending Congress on January 6. The legal challenge raises separation of powers questions about whether the executive can unilaterally create a compensation fund of this scale without congressional authorization. Civil rights groups also raised concerns that the fund could be used to reverse convictions or provide financial rewards to individuals convicted of violent felonies. The lawsuit adds to a growing docket of legal challenges to Trump's second-term executive actions.