Two police officers who defended the U.S. Capitol during the January 6, 2021, insurrection have filed a lawsuit against former President Donald Trump over a proposed $1.8 billion fund. The lawsuit, filed in federal court on May 20, 2026, alleges that the fund, which Trump has called an 'anti-weaponization' fund, is essentially a 'slush fund' designed to reward political allies and punish opponents.
The officers, identified as James Blassingame and Sidney Hemby, both of whom were injured in the attack, claim that Trump's plan violates federal law and the Constitution. The proposed fund, which Trump announced in April 2026, would be financed through donations and federal grants, according to court documents.
Blassingame and Hemby previously won a civil judgment against Trump for his role in inciting the January 6 attack. In their new lawsuit, they argue that the fund is a 'corrupt scheme' to use public money for political retribution. 'This is not about policy; it's about presidential corruption,' said their attorney, according to the complaint.
Trump has not publicly commented on the lawsuit, but his legal team has called it 'baseless' in court filings. The case is expected to test the limits of presidential immunity and campaign finance laws.
