Overview
- Two administrative claims were filed on Standard Form 95 in late 2023 over the Russia investigation and in summer 2024 over the Mar-a-Lago search and alleged malicious prosecution.
- Under DOJ policy, settlements above $4 million need approval from the deputy or associate attorney general, positions now held by Todd Blanche and Stanley Woodward Jr., who have ties to Trump’s defense team.
- Trump told reporters any decision "would have to go across my desk" and said he could give any money to charity, though the status of internal review or negotiations remains unclear.
- The Justice Department said officials follow guidance from career ethics advisers, and it has not indicated whether any conflicted leaders will recuse from reviewing the claims.
- Any settlement would be paid by taxpayers, and DOJ is not required to publicly announce resolutions of administrative claims before any lawsuit is filed.