Trump lawyer-turned-critic Michael Cohen to apply for "anti-weaponization fund"

Politics Trump lawyer-turned-critic Michael Cohen says he's applying for "anti-weaponization fund" claim By Jacob Rosen, Jacob Rosen Justice Department Reporter Jake Rosen is a reporter covering the Department of Justice. He was previously a campaign digital reporter covering President Trump's 2024 campaign and also served as an associate producer for "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan." Read Full Bio Jacob Rosen, Joe Walsh Joe Walsh Senior Editor, Politics Joe Walsh is a senior editor for digital politics at CBS News. Joe previously covered breaking news for Forbes and local news in Boston. Read Full Bio Joe Walsh May 21, 2026 / 7:41 PM EDT / CBS News Add CBS News on Google Michael Cohen, a Trump lawyer-turned-critic who served prison time due to his work for the president, is planning to apply for money from the Justice Department's new "anti-weaponization fund," he told CBS News on Thursday."I am working through the process on my own and will submit the letter directly to the DOJ once completed," Cohen told CBS News in a text message. The controversial $1.776 billion fund was announced earlier this week, offering financial compensation to people who allege the legal system was "weaponized" against them. It's part of a settlement between President Trump and the Justice Department to resolve a lawsuit brought by the president against the Internal Revenue Service over the leaking of Mr. Trump's tax returns.He said he is applying because he believes the issues that prompted Mr. Trump to sue the government are "identical to what had happened to me.""The basis for which Trump instituted the $10 billion action are the same causes of action that have affected me as well—has cost me my law license, my businesses, finances, family happiness, business relationships and opportunities," Cohen said.Cohen said that he is still working on a draft of his letter seeking relief. In a portion of his draft obtained by CBS News, Cohen wrote: "If the weaponization fund t...