PRESS CONFERENCE: Sen. Whitehouse, Advocates Urge Congress to Block Trump’s $1.8 Illegal Slush Fund
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Tuesday, June 2 at 10:15 a.m. ET, Common Cause and Public Citizen, joined by Democracy Forward, and members of Congress, will hold a press conference calling for immediate legislative action to block President Trump’s $1.8 billion slush fund, which would use taxpayer dollars to reward Trump’s political allies and insurrectionists who attacked the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
Elected officials have a constitutional duty to protect against the misuse of taxpayer dollars, especially when exploited for the president’s personal agenda. Hardworking Americans deserve to know their tax dollars are going to fund programs and services that benefit their communities and make their lives better. Speakers will discuss how bypassing standard appropriations to fund an unaccountable, $1.8 billion slush fund is fiscally irresponsible, sets a dangerous precedent for executive overreach, and opens the door wide to costly, taxpayer-funded corruption. They will also discuss how this backdoor agreement lets President Trump bypass IRS audits, potentially costing taxpayers tens of millions.
The press conference will emphasize ongoing legal action and legislative measures needed to halt the secret slush fund. This event will be an opportunity to hear directly from plaintiffs in recent lawsuits against the slush fund.
WHO:
- Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)
- Robert Weissman, Co-President, Public Citizen
- Abigail Bellows, Senior Policy Director for Anti-Corruption and Accountability, Common Cause
- Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn (injured on January 6, and plaintiff in Public Integrity Project lawsuit)
- John Koskinen, Former IRS Commissioner
- Lauren Bealore, National Director of Policy Programs, Main Street Alliance
WHAT:
Press Conference on Blocking Trump’s $1.8 Billion Slush Fund
WHEN:
Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 10:15 am ET
WHERE:
Senate Swamp, Washington, D.C.