Bulwark Takes: Trump’s DOJ Paying Nearly $5M to Capitol Attacker’s Family
Episode Release Date: May 20, 2025
Host: Tim Miller, The Bulwark
1. Breaking News: DOJ's Controversial Payout
In this episode of Bulwark Takes, host Tim Miller announces a significant development: the Trump-era Department of Justice (DOJ) has agreed to pay nearly $5 million to the family of Ashley Babbitt, a January 6th rioter who was fatally shot by police during the Capitol siege. This decision marks a reversal from the previous Biden administration's stance on similar matters.
"The United States has agreed to pay about 5 million to the family of January 6 rioter Ashley Babbitt... This decision by the Trump Justice Department reverses the earlier position from the Biden Justice Department."
— Tim Miller (00:00)
2. Critique of the DOJ's Decision
Tim Miller expresses strong disapproval of the DOJ's payout, framing it as part of a broader pattern of leniency towards Capitol attackers.
"This has been a total Trump thing. And I think it's also important to remember this is not just a TDF situation... It's like that the people that stormed the Capitol are the victims."
— Tim Miller (05:45)
He argues that this move not only absolves the attackers but also incentivizes others to seek similar compensation, potentially leading to a surge in claims from families of those who suffered injuries during the Capitol riot.
"Do you think Ashley Babbitt's gonna be the last one? Other people that suffered random injuries in their attack on the Capitol, you don't think that others are going to see this and decide that they want to get theirs?"
— Tim Miller (03:20)
3. Political Polarization and Government Stance
Miller highlights the troubling narrative that the government is portraying the rioters as victims rather than perpetrators, even those who harmed law enforcement officers.
"The rioters who injured police, who injured police, in some cases to such a degree that some lost their lives in the ensuing days... are the victims and that the government needs to pay them off."
— Tim Miller (06:30)
He criticizes Republican figures, including Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina and former Representative Liz Cheney, for their stances on the events of January 6th.
"Tonight, I say this to my Republican colleagues who are defending the indefensible. There will come a day when Donald Trump is gone, but your dishonor will remain."
— Tim Miller (04:50)
4. Financial and Moral Implications
The host underscores the financial burden imposed on taxpayers, questioning the morality of using public funds to compensate individuals who participated in violent actions to overturn the election.
"Your tax dollars are going to pay the family of a woman that was Climbing through glass in the Capitol to try to overturn the election. You're paying for that. This is total madness."
— Tim Miller (07:10)
He further decries the administration's actions as a way to reward loyalists, drawing parallels to Enrique Tarrio's recent meeting with Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago.
"If you're a pro Trump gang leader, you get to go to a fancy dinner. If you're the family member of somebody that got those, part of the pro Trump mob... you get a million dollar payout, 5 million."
— Tim Miller (09:15)
5. The Weaponization of Law Enforcement
Miller accuses the current administration of weaponizing law enforcement to create an "us versus them" dynamic, where supporters are rewarded, and opposition faces suppression.
"They have decided to weaponize law enforcement as an us versus them, where people on their side get rewarded, people on the other side get targeted."
— Tim Miller (09:45)
6. Highlighting Support for Law Enforcement
Shifting focus, Miller acknowledges and commends law enforcement officers like Michael Fanone for their steadfastness and dedication in the aftermath of January 6th.
"There's a great video over the weekend, my colleague Ben Parker talked to Michael Fanone about National Police Day. And Fanone has been so valiant and so steadfast in his advocacy on all this. I truly appreciate him."
— Tim Miller (08:30)
He also mentions other contributors like Harry Dunn on Substack and credits Spencer Hu from the Washington Post for breaking the news.
7. Looking Ahead: Ongoing Advocacy and Monitoring
The episode concludes with Tim Miller outlining ongoing efforts to monitor and advocate against these governmental decisions. He references support for legal teams aiding Venezuelans who have been disappeared to El Salvador and encourages listeners to engage with related content and support fellow advocates.
"We will continue to monitor the latest. Make sure to tell your friends about the Bulwark. Come see us... I hope people go and check out his video and go check out the other work done by some others."
— Tim Miller (10:00)
He wraps up with a call to action, urging listeners to stay informed and involved in the continuing narrative surrounding January 6th and the administration's policies.
Conclusion
This episode of Bulwark Takes provides a fervent critique of the Trump DOJ's decision to compensate the family of a January 6th rioter, placing it within a larger context of political maneuvering and the perceived undermining of law enforcement. Tim Miller emphasizes the potential ramifications of such policies, both financially and morally, while highlighting the ongoing efforts to support and honor law enforcement officers who stood firm during the Capitol attack.