Bulwark Takes Trump Put His Own Lawyers in Charge of His DOJ Payout
Oct 22, 2025
The hosts dive into Trump’s shocking $230 million demand from the Justice Department for investigations into his own actions. They unveil how he placed his personal lawyers in DOJ, raising serious ethical questions. Trump's remarks in the Oval Office hint at a scheme to benefit himself using taxpayer money. The discussion highlights a troubling pattern of corruption surrounding his administration. They also critique the hypocrisy in federal spending priorities, comparing Trump's payout aspirations to pressing national needs.
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Self-Reward Through DOJ Settlement
- Trump is seeking a $230 million settlement from the DOJ for investigations that stopped when he became president again.
- He installed his former defense lawyers inside DOJ to potentially approve that payout, creating a severe conflict of interest.
Former Defense Attorneys Inside DOJ
- Sarah Longwell highlights that the DOJ officials Trump installed were his personal defense attorneys during his private legal battles.
- That raises ethical questions about whether they might favor him and benefit from decisions while in government roles.
Trump's Oval Office Slip-Up
- Sam recounts Trump remarking in the Oval that he's 'suing myself' and wondering how to settle the case when he became president.
- That offhand comment tipped reporters to the scheme and exposed his thinking about extracting money from taxpayers.