Fact Check: "The Trump DOJ paid Babbitt’s estate $5 million to settle."
What We Know
The claim that the Trump Department of Justice (DOJ) paid $5 million to settle a lawsuit brought by the estate of Ashli Babbitt is based on reports indicating that the DOJ has agreed in principle to make this payment. Babbitt was shot and killed by police during the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot while attempting to breach the House Speaker's Lobby. Her family filed a wrongful death lawsuit seeking $30 million, and a settlement of nearly $5 million was reported as being reached in early May 2025 (Washington Post, CBS News). However, it is important to note that the settlement had not been finalized at the time of reporting, and the exact terms were still under negotiation (Washington Post).
Analysis
The reports from credible news sources such as the Washington Post and CBS News indicate that the DOJ's agreement to settle the lawsuit is based on a principle of avoiding a lengthy trial, which was initially set for July 2026. The settlement amount of nearly $5 million is significant, especially considering the family originally sought $30 million. However, the settlement is not yet finalized, and the DOJ has not publicly confirmed the amount. This lack of confirmation raises questions about the reliability of the reports, as they are based on anonymous sources who are familiar with the matter (CBS News).
The credibility of the sources reporting this information is generally high, as they are established news organizations. However, the reliance on anonymous sources can sometimes lead to uncertainty regarding the details of the agreement. Furthermore, the context surrounding Babbitt's death and the subsequent lawsuit is politically charged, which could introduce potential biases in the reporting.
The lawsuit itself alleged that U.S. Capitol Police Lt. Michael Byrd acted negligently in the shooting of Babbitt, who was unarmed at the time. The DOJ had previously determined that there was insufficient evidence to prove that Byrd violated Babbitt's civil rights, indicating that the settlement may also reflect a desire to mitigate further public scrutiny and legal challenges (Washington Post, CBS News).
Conclusion
The claim that the Trump DOJ paid Babbitt’s estate $5 million to settle is Partially True. While reports indicate that an agreement in principle has been reached for nearly $5 million, the settlement is not yet finalized, and the exact terms remain undisclosed. Therefore, while the claim reflects the current status of negotiations, it lacks the finality that would confirm the payment as complete.
