August M
Political alliances often fracture when the past collides with the present.
Even after years of shared victories, former partners can find themselves on completely opposite sides of a raging debate. Now, a massive government payout is driving a deep wedge through a major political movement, TV 2 News reports.
Deeply offensive move
Former US Vice President Mike Pence has turned sharply against a controversial taxpayer-funded plan designed to reward loyalists of his former boss. Speaking with NBC, the veteran politician made it clear that he wants the initiative buried.
The issue hits incredibly close to home for Pence, who was evacuated from the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. The program aims to financially support people involved in that very event.
“I think it’s deeply offensive to me that you can have a fund that can even possibly compensate people who assaulted police officers or vandalized the Capitol on January 6th.” Pence told NBC, adding, “I think it’s a view that’s broadly shared by most Republicans and most Americans,”
Symbolic billion dollar pot
The administration launched the fund in May to settle a lawsuit against the US Treasury and IRS. The total value sits at $1.776 billion, a symbolic nod to early American history.
Many individuals sued over the Capitol riot plan to claim their share. However, a federal judge temporarily blocked the massive financial pool last week.
The fund comes after the president pardoned roughly 1,500 people upon taking office for his second term. Most had already pled guilty or been convicted.
Completely foolish plan
The financial package faces intense fire from both sides of the political aisle. According to the BBC, prominent figures within the president’s own party are turning away from the idea.
Former Senate leader Mitch McConnell blasted the project, labeling it “completely foolish.” Other lawmakers are writing new bills to scrap the foundation entirely.
Still, some key allies defend the decision. The BBC reported that acting Attorney General Todd Blanche claimed “literally tens of thousands of Americans were the objects of inappropriate and illegal attacks by the government”.
Senator Tommy Tuberville also supported the plan, claiming hundreds of “innocent patriotic Americans have been behind bars for the past five years because of this fabricated witch hunt.”
Sources: TV 2 News, NBC, BBC
