JD Vance says money from $1.7B fund will not go to Trump or his family — Tuesday 19 May 2026In a recent appearance, U.S. Vice President JD Vance moved to address mounting questions about a new $1.77 billion Justice Department fund established to examine claims of institutional weaponization. He stated clearly that neither President Trump, members of the administration, nor the president's family would receive any portion of the allocation, describing the measure as an effort to strengthen accountability within federal agencies rather than serve personal interests. The fund has drawn scrutiny from both domestic opponents and overseas observers who worry that large discretionary budgets in sensitive areas can blur lines between legitimate oversight and political targeting. Vance's remarks sought to separate the initiative from any suggestion of self-enrichment, while underscoring the administration's view that previous administrations had misused investigative powers against conservative figures. For governments and institutions abroad, the episode highlights ongoing tensions inside the United States over the independence of its justice system. Allies in Europe and Asia that coordinate closely with Washington on sanctions enforcement, intelligence sharing, and financial regulation are watching whether such funds will be administered with sufficient safeguards to avoid perceptions of selective prosecution. How the money is ultimately spent will likely shape international assessments of U.S. institutional resilience at a time when many partners are recalibrating their reliance on American-led legal and regulatory frameworks.Watch the full video from Associated Press below.