Bennet Demands Investigation, Will File Amendment and Legislation to End Trump’s Slush Fund

May 23, 2026 | Press Releases

Legislation Would Prevent Any Payments to Tina Peters and January 6 Rioters

DENVER - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee and Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Taxation and IRS Oversight, took action this week to block President Trump's corrupt settlement with the Department of Justice (DOJ), including Trump's efforts to shield himself and his family from IRS scrutiny and the creation of an "Anti-Weaponization Fund" to reward his political allies.

"President Trump continues to undermine our institutions, weaponize the Justice Department for political purposes, and abuse taxpayer dollars to create a slush fund for his allies," said Bennet. "This is not just about stopping the misuse of taxpayer dollars, it is about fighting the attempts of a sitting president to use the federal government to reward political allies while shielding himself and his businesses from independent oversight and tax enforcement. Congress cannot stand by while Trump turns the federal government into a political operation for his friends and cronies."

On Friday, Bennet joined all Senate Finance Committee Democrats to demand a bipartisan investigation into the Trump Administration's interference with independent tax enforcement, including allegations that the DOJ directed the IRS to halt audits of President Trump, his family, and businesses tied to returns filed before May 19, 2026.

The investigation request follows revelations that the DOJ structured the agreement to draw nearly $1.8 billion from the federal Judgment Fund, meaning taxpayer dollars are directly financing the settlement, while shielding Trump and his businesses from future scrutiny. Senate Democrats raised concerns that the settlement circumvents proper judicial review and the congressional appropriations process, creating serious constitutional and oversight concerns about illegal interference with independent tax enforcement.

Bennet also prepared and plans to file legislation and an amendment as part of the upcoming budget reconciliation process to eliminate the "Anti-Weaponization Fund" entirely, and prohibit any similar fund from being created in the future. In addition, Bennet will co-lead Colorado U.S Senator John Hickenlooper's amendment to block funds from going to election denier Tina Peters.

Earlier this week, Vice President J. D. Vance suggested former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters could potentially be eligible for a payout from the fund, despite a Colorado jury convicting her of four felonies.

"For Coloradans, this issue is not theoretical," Bennet added. "Tina Peters broke the law, undermined our elections, and was convicted by a jury of her peers. Lawlessness breeds lawlessness, and she should not receive a single dime from taxpayers."

The text of Bennet's amendment can be found HERE. The letter sent by Senate Finance Committee Democrats can be found HERE.

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