Donald Trump's wild 24 hours saw the White House scrambling to defend what critics are calling a 'corrupt slush fund' for violent insurrectionists. The Vice President and Attorney General tied themselves in knots on TV trying to justify the billion-dollar payout scheme. Here's everything that happened in Trumpworld today.
1. Trump's Ballroom as a 'Shield'
Donald Trump took reporters on a tour of his vanity ballroom, revealing it would act as a 'shield' for a six-storey subterranean bunker capable of launching 'unlimited drones'. Critics called it 'late-stage dictator vibes'.
2. Worse Than Watergate
Trump dropped a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS, settling with a $1.776 billion fund for those he claims were wronged by the Justice Department, including January 6 rioters who assaulted police. The fund's board, five of six members appointed by Trump's former lawyer Todd Blanche, faces no oversight. Watchdogs call it 'one of the most corrupt acts in American history'.
3. Blanche Refuses to Exclude Violent Rioters
Testifying before a Senate committee, Blanche repeatedly refused to rule out violent rioters receiving payouts. Senator Chris Van Hollen cited a case where a J6 rioter used expected funds to silence a victim.
4. Blanche's Ghislaine Maxwell Visit
Senators questioned Blanche about visiting Ghislaine Maxwell in prison, with Senator Jack Reed calling him 'the president's consigliere'. Blanche denied Trump sent him.
5. JD Vance's Press Briefing
JD Vance defended the fund, calling the US justice system 'kangaroo courts' and suggesting disproportionate sentencing for Trump supporters. He refused to commit to excluding violent offenders.
6. Vance Promotes Racist Conspiracy
Vance indicated the Justice Department would investigate Ilhan Omar based on a racist conspiracy theory. He also encouraged far-right marchers in London to 'keep on going'.
7. Vance's Denials on Stock Trades
When asked about Trump's stock trades, Vance denied Trump personally made them but didn't rule out others doing so on his behalf.
8. Trump Endorses Ken Paxton in Texas
Trump backed 'true MAGA warrior' Ken Paxton over Senator John Cornyn in the Texas Republican primary runoff, going against party establishment.
