Top Treasury lawyer exits amid $1.8B Trump ‘anti-weaponization’ fund

The Treasury Department’s general counsel resigned as the Trump administration announced a nearly $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund” as part of a deal to settle President Donald Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS over the leaking of his tax returns.

Brian Morrissey, who was confirmed by the Senate in October and served as Treasury’s top legal officer, stepped down on Monday. His departure came the same day the Trump administration announced it would create that $1.776 billion fund to resolve Trump’s lawsuit, an unusual arrangement that has provoked bipartisan criticism.

“As General Counsel, Brian Morrissey has served the United States Treasury with both honor and integrity,” a Treasury Department spokesperson said in a statement. “We wish him all the best in his next endeavors.”

Morrissey did not respond to requests for comment.

The New York Times, which first reported Morrissey’s resignation, said his departure letter expressed gratitude to Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

Morrissey, a former partner at the law firm Sidley Austin, previously held senior roles at the Treasury and Justice Departments during Trump’s first term.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told senators Tuesday he was unaware of the reason for Morrissey’s resignation. “I don't know if it's a coincidence,” Blanche said in response to Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.). “I can't speak to why he resigned.”

The settlement was signed by IRS chief executive officer Frank Bisignano, who is also the head of the Social Security Administration, as well as Stanley Woodward, the associate attorney general. The fund will allow claimants who believe they’ve been victims of political prosecutions and weaponization to seek compensation. It’ll be overseen by a five-person commission of people appointed by the attorney general.

The arrangement drew swift backlash from Democrats, who have described it as self-dealing and corruption, as well as concerns from some Republicans.

A Justice Department memo released Monday said Treasury is responsible for establishing an account for the fund, which will be financed through the federal judgment fund. The Treasury secretary must certify those payments into the fund.