Larson Introduces Don’t Settle for Corruption Act to Block Sham “Get Out of Jail Free” Settlement for Donald Trump and His MAGA Allies

June 18, 2026 Press Release East Hartford, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) announced the introduction of the Don’t Settle for Corruption Act to require Congressional approval before the Department of Justice (DOJ) can spend taxpayer dollars on any legal settlement resolving a case involving the President , the President’s immediate family, or any business entity they own or control. It would also block DOJ’s controversial “get out of jail free card” from moving forward without explicit authorization from Congress, an addendum to the settlement agreement in Trump v. IRS that would bar the government from investigating tax returns filed by the Trump family and their companies. “Donald Trump has been trying to use our federal government as his personal ATM—and is now strong-arming officials to give him a deal that would protect himself and his family from ever having to pay the taxes they owe,” said Larson. “Whether it’s billion-dollar corporations screwing over their customers or billionaire presidents trying to make a quick buck off the American people, we cannot stand by. My Don’t Settle for Corruption Act would stop this dirty scheme to line the pockets of the President and his MAGA allies for good and require my colleagues to go on the record if they truly support this unprecedented theft of taxpayer dollars.” In January, President Trump filed this unprecedented lawsuit against the IRS, demanding $10 billion in damages for alleged mishandling of tax data. Never in the history of the United States has a sitting President sought a monetary settlement from the government he leads—let alone one totaling many billions of dollars in taxpayer funds. After initially announcing a $1.7 billion settlement, including payoffs to Trump family members, January 6 th insurrectionists, and convicted fraudsters pardoned by President Trump, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche testified before Congress that the settlement fund was no longer moving forward—a claim later disputed by President Trump . While the fund has been temporarily blocked in federal court , DOJ continues to pursue the “get out of jail free” addendum to the settlement that would effectively shield Donald Trump from ever having to pay the taxes he owes. Rep. Larson’s Don’t Settle for Corruption Act would: Safeguard transparency, by requiring the Department of Justice to notify Congress of any settlement, whether it’s financial or otherwise, that stands to benefit a sitting or former President, their family, or any business they control. Ensure accountability, giving Congress 60 days to explicitly approve these settlements—otherwise, they would be blocked from moving forward in any form. Original cosponsors include Reps. André Carson (IN-07), Judy Chu (CA-32), Gil Cisneros (CA-31), Danny Davis (IL-07), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Mike Thompson (CA-04), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12). “Our bill creates the necessary congressional oversight to ensure taxpayers’ dollars are protected — because no president, no administration, and no political party should ever be allowed to use the government for financial gain. This should be neither a Democratic principle nor a Republican principle. This is an American principle,” said Congressman Mike Thompson. “No elected official should come to Washington to enrich themselves. I’m proud to work with Rep. Larson on this effort to clean up our politics and ensure that our government is working for the people,” said Congressman Ro Khanna . The Don’t Settle for Corruption Act is endorsed by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) , Public Citizen , Project on Government Oversight (POGO) , and Transparency International . "Never in our nation's history have we witnessed such corruption and efforts at personal enrichment by a president and his administration," said Debra Perlin, Vice President for Policy at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW). "President Trump's collusive settlement of his lawsuit against his own administration, including its creation of the so-called ‘Anti-Weaponization Fund’ and its deal to bar government audits and claims against himself, his family or his associates demands oversight. CREW is proud to endorse Rep. Larson's Don’t Settle for Corruption Act , which helps prevent this type of self-dealing by requiring congressional approval of settlements involving the president.” “The administration’s corruption has never been more obvious than in the corrupt slush fund they have created in the wake of their absurd lawsuit against the very government they helm. The American public’s justifiable outrage must be answered, and taxpayer money must not be used to provide settlements for a sitting President and his family. We proudly support Congressman Larson’s bill to provide Congressional oversight and approval before any such agreements are made,” said Lisa Gilbert, Co-President of Public Citizen. "Legal settlements must not become avenues for self-dealing. We applaud Rep. Larson's leadership in preventing corruption and bringing much-needed transparency, oversight, and checks and balances when the government settles lawsuits,” said David Janovsky, Acting Director of The Constitution Project at POGO. Full bill text is available HERE . Issues : Congressman Larson's Committees Judicial Standing Up to Trump and ‘DOGE’ Tax Policy