'He might as well rob Fort Knox and take the gold out’: Reaction to Trump shaking down his own DOJ

Legal & Political Risk - A potential $230 million (USD) demand from Donald Trump to the taxpayers as compensation for investigations by the Department of Justice is under scrutiny [1] - The demand is based on purported violations of Trump's rights, including the FBI and special counsel investigation into Russian election tampering and the search of Mara Lago for classified documents [1] - Ethical concerns arise due to Trump leading the government while demanding money from it, with his own attorney general potentially approving the settlement [2] - The investigations in question led to multiple indictments and guilty pleas, including those of Trump's campaign manager and other close associates [4] - Concerns exist that political appointees within the Department of Justice, who previously served as Trump's counsel, may not be impartial in deciding on the settlement [10][19] Potential Legal Actions - Taxpayer lawsuits could challenge the settlement, arguing that it harms taxpayers and is being decided by conflicted parties [22] - Bar associations could intervene, arguing that the former counsel's duty of loyalty to their prior client creates a conflict of interest [23][24] - A hearing or trial could reveal details of the Russia case and Mara Lago situation, which Trump has previously avoided [16][17] Investigation Context - Special counsel John Durham found no criminal wrongdoing on the part of the investigators [5] - The investigation into Trump's handling of classified information revealed boxes of documents, including nuclear secrets, stored at his private club [5][6] - There is an active investigation into officials who served under former President Barack Obama [13][14]