In a recent development concerning President Donald Trump, a group of lawyers closely aligned with him negotiated an agreement resulting in a $1.8 billion fund. This fund aims to compensate those affected by what they term as government ‘weaponization.’ Additionally, the agreement includes tax benefits for President Trump, his family, and businesses.

As discussions around the settlement progressed, information was tightly held among this group of lawyers. This left some senior White House officials in the dark until the agreement was nearly finalized. The crux of the lawsuit was President Trump’s $10 billion claim against the IRS. Time was of the essence as a federal judge urged the Justice Department to justify how it could independently defend the agency against threats from the president.

The task of resolving this complex issue was left to a cadre of attorneys loyal to Trump. The negotiations featured a Justice Department led by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, previously Trump’s criminal defense lawyer. On the other side were Trump’s personal legal representatives, including Boris Epshteyn, who previously consulted Blanche. Epshteyn was instrumental in advancing the talks that brought an end to the lawsuit, coordinating discussions among all involved parties.

Consultations were so discreet that some senior personnel were blindsided, hearing about the deal only when its completion was imminent. Though the final agreement did not fulfill Trump’s original demand for direct treasury funding, it was still favorable. The deal established the $1.8 billion fund potentially benefiting many, including those charged with the January 6 Capitol riot. Furthermore, it relieved Trump and his enterprises from the burden of potentially expensive IRS audits.