Details have emerged about a thinly drafted, single-page release tied to the settlement of President Trump’s multi-billion-dollar lawsuit against the IRS. Signed by acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, the document appears to shield Trump, his family, and businesses from any claims the IRS might bring, sparking debate over its scope and legitimacy.
The release, dated the day after the main settlement agreement, was quietly posted on the Department of Justice’s website and was not part of the original settlement package. The timing and format suggest it could have been a last-minute addendum, possibly responding to Trump’s dissatisfaction with the terms. However, since the lawsuit was dismissed the day before the release was finalized, the enforceability of this “side agreement” remains uncertain.
Legal experts have expressed alarm over the document’s vague language. It uses broad terms such as “Lawfare and/or Weaponization” without clear definition, which may extend protections well beyond tax disputes to other potential criminal matters. While the release ostensibly covers claims from the IRS and Treasury Department alone, the imprecision leaves room for expansive interpretation, potentially hindering future government actions against Trump.
Critics also point to a glaring conflict of interest: Todd Blanche, Trump’s former personal attorney, signed off on a sweeping legal shield for the president. This intertwining of political loyalty and official legal authority stands out as highly unusual compared to past administrations.
Amid ongoing controversy, these revelations feed into broader concerns about the integrity of the Trump-IRS settlement and whether it involved improper concessions to protect the former president from substantial tax penalties and other liabilities.