JD Vance defends Trump’s $1.7B fund, says Hunter Biden and Tina Peters could apply

WASHINGTON, DC: During the White House press briefing on Tuesday, May 19, where Vice President JD Vance filled in for White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who is on her maternal leave, he defended Trump’s $1.7 billion anti-weaponization fund.

Vance said that the fund is about “compensating Americans,” and anybody can apply for it.

Vance, fund 'compensates Americans'

A reporter had asked Vance about exactly who would receive money from Trump’s highly controversial $1.7 billion payout fund.

President Donald Trump on Monday, May 18, resolved his lawsuit against the IRS in exchange for the creation of a $1.7 billion fund designed to compensate Americans who claim they were victims of politically motivated government actions.

“I want to ask you about that $1.8 billion fund, set up a weaponization fund, as it’s being called. Why should taxpayers be paying to settle a $10 billion lawsuit that was brought by the President of the United States? And should people who attacked the Capitol building and assaulted police officers—should they be eligible? Should they receive money? Should they receive money from this fund?” the reporter asked the vice president.

As Vance began addressing questions about potential applicants for the fund, he clarified that anybody who was wrongfully targeted by the former administration can apply for the compensation, as it is about “compensating Americans.”

“Let me say a couple things about that. First, Jon, I think in some ways the media has misrepresented what this is actually about. This is about compensating Americans for the lawfare that we saw under the last administration. And by the way, anybody can apply for it,” Vance replied.

Vance says, Hunter Biden, Tina Peters could apply

Vance further emphasised that even Democrats can apply for compensation, stating that Trump has “pardoned a number of Democrats.”

“Republicans can apply for it. Democrats can apply for it, as you know, the President of the United States has pardoned a number of Democrats who he felt were actually subject to this lawfare. I mean, if Hunter Biden wants to apply for this particular fund, he is welcome to.”

JD Vance suggested that individuals such as Tina Peters could potentially qualify for compensation under Donald Trump’s controversial “anti-weaponization” fund.

Vance argued that Peters, whom he described as an “innocent grandmother,” received a punishment that was “completely disproportionate” to the allegations against her, claiming she had effectively been treated unfairly by the justice system. He questioned whether it was reasonable for someone in her position to receive compensation through the fund.

Peters was prosecuted in Colorado by a Republican district attorney and was accused of misdemeanour trespassing-related conduct tied to election security controversies. Reports also alleged that she kicked officers during questioning.