Americans across the political spectrum are reeling after it was revealed that the Trump administration approved a $5 million taxpayer-funded payout to the family of Ashli Babbitt—the woman shot and killed while storming the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
Babbitt, a 35-year-old Trump supporter and QAnon fanatic, was shot by a U.S. Capitol Police officer as she tried to climb through a broken window into the Speaker’s Lobby—just steps away from lawmakers evacuating during the riot. An investigation under President Joe Biden’s Department of Justice cleared the officer, ruling the shooting was justified and within protocol.
But that ruling didn’t stand under the Trump administration. President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly called Babbitt a “martyr” and “patriot,” quietly approved a massive payout to her family—despite the fact that she died while breaking the law and attacking the seat of American democracy.
The backlash has been swift and furious.
“Absolutely disgraceful,” wrote attorney Mark S. Zaid. “This will be an historical black stain – among so many others – on this Administration & those senior officials in Justice Department forever.”
“American tax dollars going to an insurrectionist,” posted Blue Georgia.
Former federal prosecutor Peter Zeidenberg didn’t hold back: “Hey DOGE: got a scoop on where you could find $5M in waste; hope you jump on this! U.S. to pay nearly $5 million to family of Jan. 6 rioter Ashli Babbitt.”
The outrage also spread among journalists and political voices online.
“U.S. taxpayers will reportedly be on the hook for nearly $5 million to the family of Ashli Babbitt,” wrote journalist Brian Krassenstein. “That’s right—you and I are paying millions to the estate of a woman who illegally stormed the U.S. Capitol, ignored repeated police warnings, and attempted to force her way into the Speaker’s Lobby—just feet away from lawmakers certifying a democratic election.”
He added, “Imagine if someone breached the White House fence and was trying to enter the Oval Office to get to Trump. Would you want their family compensated if they were killed by Secret Service?”
Activist @ChidiNwatu told his 32,000 followers: “Any compensation for Ashli Babbitt’s death should be covered by the person responsible for her demise – Trump – rather than being funded by taxpayers’ money.”
Commentator Russell Drew called the $5 million payment what it looks like to many: “A reward, not a settlement. It makes me sick to my stomach to see them validate such treasonous, violent behavior. January 6 was a disgrace.”
I can’t help but think this $5M payment by the Department of Justice to the family of Ashli Babbitt is a reward, not a settlement. It makes me sick to my stomach to see them validate such treasonous, violent behavior. January 6 was a disgrace. pic.twitter.com/OOjJWUtNUD
— Russell Drew (@RussOnPolitics) May 19, 2025
Writer Andrea Junker cut straight to the point: “Let’s get this straight, once and for all: Ashli Babbitt died while committing an armed insurrection. She died while following the orders of Donald Trump.”
The message from critics: this isn’t justice—it’s a betrayal. Millions of Americans are left wondering how the same administration that encouraged a deadly attack on Congress is now using public funds to pay off the family of a rioter who tried to help overturn a democratic election.
The check may be signed by the Justice Department, but for many, the hand holding the pen is unmistakably Trump’s.
