Trump ‘slush fund’ echoes scorned 19th-century spoils system, academics say

President Trump's $1.776 billion 'anti-weaponization fund' to pay individuals involved in the Jan. 6 attack has drawn criticism as a 'slush fund,' with academics comparing it to the 19th-century spoils system where political allies were rewarded with government jobs. The Department of Justice, which established the fund, faces scrutiny for its lack of independence under Trump, who previously criticized the IRS over leaked tax returns.