Drudge Retort: The Other Side of the News
Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Trump and his family have repeatedly disregarded Washington's ethical guardrails aimed at preventing government officials from profiting from public office, including by pushing for more than $200 million in a separate administrative case with the Justice Department. But a settlement payment even a fraction of the size of Mr. Trump's requested $10 billion could be much larger than his other attempts at private gain, potentially doubling his net worth.

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It is unclear or how much money Mr. Trump could receive in a settlement, or if he will be paid at all.

But protection from I.R.S. audits could prove quite valuable.

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Why, oh, why would (Acting) Attorney General & Trump Personal Attorney Todd "Thank you - I LOVE YOU, SIR!" Blanche roll over for his master on this?

A settlement in the coming days would fly in the face of efforts by the federal judge overseeing the case, Kathleen Williams, an appointee of President Barack Obama in the Southern District of Florida, to try and manage the conflict of interest in the case. Not only has she requested briefings from Mr. Trump's lawyers and the government by next week, she has appointed a group of six well-respected lawyers not otherwise involved in the case to provide her with their views on whether Mr. Trump's lawsuit is legitimate.

A settlement in the coming days would fly in the face of efforts by the federal judge overseeing the case, Kathleen Williams, an appointee of President Barack Obama in the Southern District of Florida, to try and manage the conflict of interest in the case. Not only has she requested briefings from Mr. Trump's lawyers and the government by next week, she has appointed a group of six well-respected lawyers not otherwise involved in the case to provide her with their views on whether Mr. Trump's lawsuit is legitimate.

She would not likely be able to prevent Mr. Trump from simply withdrawing the suit and coming to a private agreement with the federal government. Even if the judge were to ultimately find that the settlement was collusive or reached in bad faith, she would likely be hamstrung in any effort to stop money or other benefits from changing hands.

Former government lawyers and experts see a clear defense to Mr. Trump's suit, and do not see it as one the Justice Department would typically settle on its merits.


This is Republican government.

#1 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis at 2026-05-13 07:22 AM | Reply

Gift article link. No paywall.

From the article: One of the settlement terms under review is for the I.R.S. to drop any audits of the president, his family members and businesses.

This level of corruption would have been unimaginable even a year ago.

#2 | Posted by qcp at 2026-05-13 08:43 AM | Reply

" One of the settlement terms under review is for the I.R.S. to drop any audits of the president, his family members and businesses."

2027 will be my 40th year of preparing taxes and dealing with the IRS.

I've never even HEARD of an agreement like this.

Never.

#3 | Posted by Danforth at 2026-05-13 09:39 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

#3 I posted this with you in mind, Danforth.

#4 | Posted by A_Friend at 2026-05-13 09:42 AM | Reply

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