In an interview with NBC News' "Meet the Press" on June 5, President Donald Trump did not rule out the possibility of government payouts to individuals charged with assaulting police officers during the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Trump defended an "anti-weaponization" fund, claiming that those who breached the Capitol were unfairly targeted by prosecutors and deserved compensation. When asked if those who attacked police should receive taxpayer funds, Trump stated, "I wouldn’t be inclined to say so, but I have to see it."
Trump also expressed doubts about the integrity of recent California elections, describing them as "rigged" without providing evidence. He questioned the timing of election results, noting that under California's vote-by-mail system, it can take several days to finalize results.
During the interview, Trump reiterated his support for the "anti-weaponization" fund, which he claims arose from a settlement related to his tax returns. He stated, "If it was up to me, I’d pay them the kind of money that they deserve," referring to individuals affected by what he described as politicized prosecutions.
Approximately 1,600 individuals were charged in connection with the Capitol attack, with over 140 police officers injured during the events. Trump has previously promised clemency for many involved in the riot, having pardoned around 1,500 individuals, including some who attacked police officers. He suggested that many who pled guilty did so out of fear of long sentences, stating, "They pled guilty because they were frightened."
