The Senate Could pass a Bill that would let every American sue Trump to recover funds obtained through corruption

WASHINGTON — Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and three Democratic colleagues have introduced legislation that would create a new private right of action, allowing everyday Americans and state attorneys general to sue President Donald Trump, his family, and certain officials to recover money allegedly obtained through corruption while in office.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau Creation Act (S.5183), introduced July 30, 2026, by Schumer along with Sens. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Andy Kim (D-N.J.), remains in the Senate Finance Committee as of late August. It has not advanced toward a floor vote.

What the Bill Would Do

The legislation’s first stated goal, in Schumer’s words, is to “get the American people their money back.” It would establish a civil cause of action modeled on the False Claims Act. Successful private plaintiffs could recover a share of civil penalties, including disgorgement and potentially treble damages. State attorneys general could also sue on behalf of the public.

Covered conduct would include alleged self-dealing, gifts, and other financial benefits tied to official power, with findings in the bill citing billions in reported earnings by Trump and his family since January 2025, including from cryptocurrency ventures. The bill would apply to presidents, vice presidents, senior officials, key campaign figures, and major contractors, with a 10-year statute of limitations reaching back to the start of Trump’s second term.

Separately, the measure would create an independent Anti-Corruption Bureau. The new agency would consolidate the Federal Election Commission, Office of Government Ethics, and Office of Special Counsel. It would be led by a seven-member, Senate-confirmed board (three Republicans, three Democrats, and one independent) with subpoena power, enforcement authority, and the ability to disgorge ill-gotten gains. The bill includes provisions intended to protect the bureau’s funding and prevent a president from disabling it through vacancies or removals.

Schumer described the legislation on the Senate floor as a response to what he called historically unprecedented corruption: “The scope and scale of Donald Trump’s corruption dwarfs anything we’ve seen in American history… Trump profits, Americans pay. Our grifter-in-chief has tried every scam in the book.” He framed it as designed to “stop Trump’s ‘Art of the Steal.’”