A newly disclosed addendum to a $1.8 billion Justice Department settlement grants broad immunity to Donald Trump, his family members, and the Trump Organization regarding past federal tax filings. The agreement effectively prevents the Internal Revenue Service from pursuing enforcement actions or continuing pending audits related to tax returns filed prior to the settlement’s effective date. This protection encompasses the former president, his immediate family, and a wide array of affiliated entities, including trusts, subsidiaries, and parent companies.

The document, signed by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche—who previously served as a criminal defense lawyer for the former president—was released following a massive settlement that resolved a $10 billion lawsuit brought by the Trump family against the IRS. That lawsuit centered on allegations regarding the unauthorized disclosure of tax records. In exchange for dropping the litigation, the Justice Department agreed to establish an ‘Anti-Weaponization Fund,’ which is intended to compensate individuals who claim to have been targeted by federal law enforcement actions during the previous administration.

The inclusion of the tax immunity clause has sparked significant backlash from lawmakers, most notably Senator Ron Wyden, the ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee. Wyden characterized the directive as a violation of federal law, citing statutes that strictly prohibit executive branch officials from interfering in or directing IRS audits of specific taxpayers. Critics argue the move sets a dangerous precedent, suggesting that the settlement essentially functions as a mechanism for the Trump administration to shield its own financial history from regulatory oversight.

During recent testimony, Acting Attorney General Blanche faced scrutiny regarding the scope of the new fund, specifically whether it could potentially provide compensation to individuals convicted of assaulting police officers during the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. While the Justice Department defended the tax-related addendum as a standard legal waiver common in high-stakes settlements to prevent further litigation, opponents remain skeptical. They contend the agreement serves as a ‘slush fund’ designed to benefit political allies, regardless of the legal controversy surrounding the specific beneficiaries.