Former President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday that he believes the federal government owes him substantial compensation for past investigations conducted by the Justice Department. He indicated that he would have the final say on any potential payout, asserting that any decision would need to be approved by him.

Trump's remarks came in response to a report that he had filed administrative claims seeking approximately $230 million in damages. These claims are related to the FBI's 2022 search of his Mar-a-Lago estate for classified documents and a separate investigation into possible connections between his 2016 presidential campaign and Russia.

During a press briefing at the White House, Trump remarked, "All I know is that they would owe me a lot of money." He also mentioned that he was unsure of the specific dollar amounts involved and had not discussed the claims with officials.

He emphasized his authority in the matter, saying, "It’s interesting, 'cause I’m the one that makes the decision, right? That decision would have to go across my desk." Trump suggested that any funds received could be donated to charity or used for a ballroom he is constructing at the White House.

The status of the claims and any ongoing negotiations within the Justice Department remain unclear. Notably, one of Trump's lead defense attorneys in the Mar-a-Lago investigation, Todd Blanche, currently serves as the deputy attorney general at the Justice Department.

A spokesperson for the Justice Department stated that all officials adhere to the guidance of career ethics officials. Meanwhile, a White House spokesperson directed inquiries to the Justice Department.

Trump had previously indicated his interest in compensation during a recent appearance with Blanche and other legal advisors. He humorously remarked, "I have a lawsuit that was doing very well, and when I became president, I said: 'I’m suing myself. I don’t know. How do you settle the lawsuit?'"

The claims filed with the Justice Department are part of a process aimed at resolving federal complaints through settlements to avoid litigation. One claim, submitted in August 2024, seeks compensatory and punitive damages related to the Mar-a-Lago search and subsequent allegations that Trump mishandled classified documents. The claim alleges that the investigation was a "malicious prosecution" intended to undermine Trump's political ambitions, forcing him to incur significant legal expenses.

The other claim pertains to the now-concluded investigation into alleged collusion between Trump's campaign and Russia, which continues to provoke frustration for the former president.