The Department of Justice has created a $1.776 billion compensation fund for individuals who believe they have been targeted for investigation or prosecution by federal agencies. The fund, described as an "anti-weaponization" initiative, comes amid broader Trump administration efforts to address what it characterizes as politically motivated enforcement actions.

The development follows discussions within the Internal Revenue Service about potential legal challenges to lawsuits filed by President Trump against the agency. Despite internal deliberations about contesting such litigation, the administration has instead moved forward with establishing the compensation mechanism.

Former FBI Director James Comey indicated on Monday that he expects to apply for compensation from the fund. Speaking to CNN, Comey said he initially thought reports about the DOJ's "anti-weaponization fund" were satirical but confirmed he would likely "be in line" for the program.

The fund's $1.776 billion allocation references the year of American independence, though officials have not detailed specific eligibility criteria or the process for reviewing compensation claims. The initiative represents a significant policy shift in how the federal government addresses allegations of prosecutorial overreach or politically motivated investigations.