Republican lawyer Mike Howell has formally requested to join a Justice Department panel tasked with distributing over $1.7 billion to individuals claiming they were victims of legal “weaponization.” In a letter addressed to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Howell declared his candidacy for one of the five available positions on the commission overseeing the anti-weaponization fund.
The fund was established as part of a settlement following a $10 billion lawsuit filed by President Trump against the Internal Revenue Service regarding the leak of his tax returns. Acting Attorney General Blanche is responsible for appointing the commission members, according to a memo signed this week.
Strategic Influence and Oversight
If appointed, Howell would be in a powerful position to oversee payments to claimants through the end of 2028. Howell, who is based in Washington, D.C., serves as the president of the Oversight Project, a conservative group that investigates alleged government weaponization, and is a visiting fellow at the Heritage Foundation’s border security and immigration center.
Howell is a close ally of Ed Martin, the U.S. Pardon attorney who advocated for the pardons or commutations of more than 1,500 individuals charged or convicted in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Howell previously managed Martin’s Senate confirmation process for the role of U.S. Attorney for D.C.
Proposed Actions and Fund Criteria
In his application, Howell stated that one of his first actions if selected would be to organize a national gathering in Washington, D.C., for “thousands of victims of weaponization.” He noted these victims would include those who were sent to prison, including January 6 defendants, and those who paid legal fees due to their support for President Trump.
While the Justice Department stated in a press release that there are “no partisan requirements to file a claim,” the settlement agreement outlines loose criteria, stating the commission will consider the “totality of the circumstances.”
Broadening Claims for Restitution
Howell’s bid to join the commission is the first known request to serve on the panel. However, other individuals have already sought financial relief from the fund. Former Trump adviser and administration official Michael Caputo has requested $2.7 million in “restitution and reimbursement,” claiming he was targeted by the FBI’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
The fund’s creation may represent a broader effort to provide relief to supporters of the president. Further requests for compensation from Capitol riot defendants and other allies may be likely as the commission is formed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money is available in the anti-weaponization fund?
The fund will dispense over $1.7 billion to people who claim they were victims of legal weaponization.
Who has the authority to appoint the commission members?
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is responsible for appointing the five members of the commission.
What is the timeline for the fund’s operation?
The Justice Department stated that the fund will operate through the end of 2028.
Do you believe a “totality of the circumstances” approach is the most equitable way to distribute these funds?
