Former CNN anchor Jim Acosta says he plans to apply for President Donald Trump’s controversial $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” arguing that he could qualify based on his own past clashes with the Trump administration.
Acosta made the case in a Thursday Substack post titled “I’d Like to Apply for the Anti-Weaponization Fund,” where he sarcastically argued that if the fund is intended to compensate Americans allegedly targeted for political reasons, he should also be eligible.
The Department of Justice announced last week that it had reached a settlement agreement involving lawsuits filed by Trump, his sons, and the Trump Organization over the leaking of tax returns. The broader compensation fund has quickly become a source of controversy, raising questions about executive authority, legal oversight, and who could ultimately receive payments.
The proposal has already drawn criticism from both Democrats and Republicans. Some GOP lawmakers have reportedly questioned how the program would function, who would qualify for compensation, and whether distributing funds without congressional approval raises legal concerns.
“Having been on the receiving end of some first-term Trump government weaponization, I think I have a pretty good case for some cold, hard ‘slush fund’ cash,” Acosta wrote, noting that the backers of this fund had made it sound like “just about anybody can apply.”
Acosta pointed to his well-publicized dispute with the Trump White House in 2018, when his press credentials were temporarily revoked after a heated exchange during a White House press conference.
“As I attempted to ask a question of the president, who was blowing his top, a White House intern tried to grab the microphone out of my hand,” Acosta continued. It was an “intense” moment, he added, and then White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders falsely accused him of placing his “hands on a young woman just trying to do her job as a White House intern.”
According to Acosta, the administration’s actions amounted to political retaliation. He also referenced the legal battle that followed, noting that CNN and Acosta sued the administration and quickly secured a court order restoring his press access.
In his post, Acosta also argued that the episode triggered serious personal consequences, including threats directed at him and security concerns involving his family.
Acosta concluded his post by mockingly submitting a claim for $5 million to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, writing that any money would go toward supporting independent journalism and his media efforts.
So Todd, as a result of this sustained government effort to destroy my career, I hereby submit my claim to the administration’s anti-weaponization fund. Now it’s true that I did not beat up any cops. Though I did hold a town hall with some police officers who heroically defended the Capitol on January 6th. Perhaps I should have left that part out too?
In the meantime, please make out a check for $5 million to Jim “Real News” Acosta. Proceeds from this payment will support the free press in America and continue the work of my independent media venture, free of corporate influence and government weaponization. Think of it this way. You will be making Donald Trump a paid subscriber. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
His remarks come as the “Anti-Weaponization Fund” continues facing growing scrutiny — including from some Republicans — as questions mount over its legal basis and potential recipients.
Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) slammed President Donald Trump’s “anti-weaponization fund” on Thursday after a meeting with Acting AG Blanche.
“So the nation’s top law enforcement official is asking for a slush fund to pay people who assault cops? Utterly stupid, morally wrong — Take your pick,” he said.
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He conveniently ‘forgets’ that all of his clashes with DJT were initiated self initiated by his own self, IOW he started them with his unprovoked attacks on DJT and MAGA folks in general. That doesn’t even come close to anyone or agency attacking him. The only thing he ‘might’ be entitled to is a good kick in the hind end which could remove the recto cranial inversion he seems to be inflicted with.
Acosta is such a jerk. He was never prosecuted by the DOJ. He just has delusions of grandeur. He is just a has-been libtard reporter.