Democrats criticize deal as a slush fund that ‘funnels taxpayer dollars’ to president’s political allies Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email The justice department announced on Monday it was creating a loosely controlled and secretive $1.776bn fund to compensate Donald Trump allies as part of an agreement in which Trump and his sons dropped a $10bn longshot lawsuit against the IRS. The money, which critics said was essentially a slush fund , will be overseen by five commissioners – four of whom would be appointed by the attorney general and removable by Trump – who would oversee the body’s work. A fifth commissioner will be appointed “in consultation” with congressional leadership.