By May 20, 2026 / 7:12 PM EDT / CBS News
A Republican lawyer and close ally of Ed Martin, the U.S. pardon attorney, has submitted a request to the Justice Department to join a panel involved in distributing over $1.7 billion to individuals claiming victimhood due to legal ‘weaponization.’
On Wednesday evening, lawyer Mike Howell expressed his intentions through a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. Howell stated, ‘I wish to declare my candidacy for one of the five member positions on the anti-weaponization fund.’
Blanche holds the responsibility for appointing members to the commission overseeing this fund. A memo detailing this was signed this week. The fund’s announcement followed the DOJ’s settlement of a $10 billion lawsuit filed by President Trump against the IRS over leaked tax returns.
Howell has actively testified before both the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. He has appeared on national television and radio to present cases of ordinary Americans targeted by federal law enforcement for their political views, faith, and constitutionally protected rights. Howell noted in his application letter, ‘I have written, sued, defended, and advocated every single day to this end and am not planning on stopping.’
If appointed, Howell would hold significant authority in managing compensation claims through the fund, which the DOJ has declared operational until 2028.
A file image shows Attorney Mike Howell outside the federal courthouse in Washington on June 6, 2023. Manuel Balce Ceneta / AP.
Howell maintains a close alliance with Martin, the DOJ pardon attorney, who supported Mr. Trump’s clemencies for over 1,500 individuals charged or convicted in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. From outside the government, Howell managed Martin’s Senate confirmation for the U.S. attorney for D.C., a post Martin held temporarily.
Based in Washington, D.C., Howell leads a conservative organization named the Oversight Project, focusing on alleged governmental weaponization cases. He also serves as a visiting fellow at the Heritage Foundation’s border security and immigration center.
In communication with CBS News, Howell described the fund as a historic move by President Trump and Acting Attorney General Blanche. Howell added that he stands ready ‘to ensure its success.’ The Justice Department has not issued a response to comment inquiries.
Howell’s letter represents the inaugural known request to the DOJ for a commission position. CNN reported that Michael Caputo, a former Trump adviser and administration official, earlier sought compensation. Caputo requested over $2.7 million in ‘restitution and reimbursement,’ claiming victimhood under FBI investigations concerning Russian interference in the 2016 election.
The fund’s announcement signals Mr. Trump’s ongoing efforts to support his allies, exemplified by his clemencies for January 6 defendants. The DOJ settlement agreement outlines vague criteria for claim applications, citing the ‘totality of the circumstances’ as a consideration. A press release emphasized that claims have ‘no partisan requirements,’ although Capitol riot defendants and MAGA affiliates are contemplating relief applications.
In the letter to Blanche, Howell stated his plans for a panel-issued action involving a national gathering of weaponization victims in Washington, D.C. ‘These victims will include those incurring legal fees due to Trump support, incarcerations linked to January 6th, 2021,’ the letter remarked. ‘The gathering will provide these individuals with time and space for sharing their experiences.’