Two Capitol Police officers sued the Trump administration Tuesday to block a federal compensation fund the officers say was built to reward participants in the January 6, 2021, attack on Congress.
The lawsuit describes the fund as a “slush fund” used to pay rioters and groups that carried out violence on behalf of President Trump, according to court filings reviewed by the News.
The officers, both of whom were on duty during the breach of the Capitol, argue the administration lacks legal authority to direct taxpayer dollars to individuals charged or convicted in connection with January 6.
The suit is the first known legal challenge brought by law enforcement officers directly against the fund, sources familiar with the filing told the News.
Trump's Justice Department did not respond to a request for comment ahead of publication. The administration has previously framed January 6-related relief efforts as addressing what it calls prosecutorial overreach under the prior administration.
No hearing date has been scheduled. The case is expected to advance through federal district court in Washington in the coming weeks.