00:00The US Justice Department has reached a settlement that bars the tax authority from pursuing audits
00:06linked to President Donald Trump, his family and their businesses over earlier filings.
00:12The agreement comes as part of a wider settlement aimed at resolving Trump's lawsuit against the
00:18Inland Revenue Service. He had been seeking $10 billion in damages over the alleged leak of his
00:24tax records. According to a settlement document signed by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche,
00:31authorities are forever barred from bringing tax claims related to returns filed before the
00:36agreement, effectively closing off existing investigations. The deal has been widely
00:41criticised by Democrats, who accused the administration of overreach and questioned
00:46the independence of the Justice Department. It also establishes a $1.8 billion US
00:51anti-weaponisation fund for individuals who claim they were targeted by politically motivated
00:57investigations. Critics have likened the initiative to a slush fund, warning it could be used to reward
01:03Trump's allies. Decisions on distributing money from the fund will be made by a five-member commission,
01:09with four members directly appointed by Blanche, who previously served as Trump's personal lawyer.
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