In the 1998 action movie Armageddon, the Bruce Willis character tells the federal government what his team members want in return for taking on a dangerous mission to destroy an asteroid before it strikes earth. “None of them want to pay taxes again… ever.” It’s a funny bit because it borders on the absurd.

Fast forward to today and the preposterous meets reality.

President Trump has cut a deal with the Justice Department in his lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service whereby the IRS is “forever barred and precluded from prosecuting or pursuing” tax claims against Trump, his family members and businesses” that would have been made prior to the settlement.

Let’s start with the fact that it is illegal. Federal law (26 U.S. Code 7217) prohibits the executive branch from interfering with the ability of the IRS to “conduct or terminate an audit or other investigation.” But Trump and his sycophants in the administration consider laws they disagree with as nuisances rather than guiding principles.

It is an audacious abuse of power and one that should offend every law-abiding citizen who pays their taxes but also worries about running afoul of the IRS. As for Trump, he’s off the hook. An IRS inquiry uncovered by the New York Times and Pro-Publica determined that “a years-long audit battle over the claim could mean a tax bill of more than $100 million.”

The tax get-of-jail-free card is just one part of the settlement of Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS.  The deal also includes the creation of a $1.776 billion fund to compensate individuals who successfully claim they were targets of government “weaponization.”

The Wall Street Journal opines that “The Trump family isn’t eligible for payouts, but the rioters who stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, are likely to apply.” A five-member commission, chosen by Trump’s Justice Department, will operate the fund. So, call this what it is: A Trump-controlled taxpayer-financed slush fund for his lawbreaking bootlickers.

Under this agreement, someone who stormed the U.S. Capitol, assaulted police officers and interfered with the peaceful transfer of power, but was later pardoned by Trump, could get some of your money. That’s like you having to pay damages to a robber who breaks into your home.

These developments are just the latest in the ongoing evolution of the imperial presidency where unchecked power fuels corruption. Trump loyalists are relishing the “payback” for what they believe has been the persecution of their leader, but they should be warned. If he can get away with it, imagine what payback will look like if a Democrat with the same ethical indifference as Trump gets into office.