D.L. Hughley Slams Trump Payout to Ashli Babbitt’s Family
Comedian reacts to $5M settlement for Capitol insurrection death, questioning funding lens
Poulami is an associate editor. She did her MA in English from Miranda House, University of Delhi and has qualified UGC-NET. She also holds a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her journey as a content writer began in 2017 and since then, Poulami has garnered diverse interests along the way.
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D.L. Hughley took to Instagram this week to blast former President Donald Trump after news broke that $5 million in taxpayer dollars will be paid to the family of January 6 insurrectionist Ashli Babbitt. The comedian’s post, captioned “THE SAME PEOPLE HE CALLED HOSTAGES AND WANTS TO COMPENSATE FOR BEING TREATED SO BADLY🙄🙄🙄 #TeamDL,” tagged @couriernewsroom and quickly drew thousands of reactions.
Trump Signs Off On $5m Payout
The payout comes via legislation signed earlier this year, allocating funds for Capitol riot victims and families. According to Courier Newsroom, the Babbitt family will receive a lump sum settlement of $5 million, despite Ashli Babbitt’s role in the breach and her own fatal shooting at the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
Who Was Ashli Babbitt?
A 35-year-old Air Force veteran from San Diego, Babbitt was part of the crowd that stormed the Capitol building. As she attempted to climb through a broken door near the Speaker’s Lobby, she was fatally shot by a Capitol Police officer. Her death became a rallying point for some supporters of the riot and a flashpoint in debates over the use of force during the attack.
As details of the compensation emerged, critics on both sides of the aisle raised concerns about the optics of paying a rioter’s family while many officers injured in the attack continue to seek restitution.
D.l. Hughley Weighs In
Hughley, known for his sharp political commentary on shows like CNN’s The Weekly Show and his podcast, did not mince words. In his Instagram post (https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ8DgfcJ6oU/), he wrote: “THE SAME PEOPLE HE CALLED HOSTAGES AND WANTS TO COMPENSATE FOR BEING TREATED SO BADLY🙄🙄🙄 #TeamDL.” His reaction highlights growing frustration over government spending choices.
“The families of officers who defended the Capitol deserve every dime,” Hughley told followers in the comments. “Yet here we are, funneling millions toward the people who tried to tear our democracy apart.” His view echoes concerns from veteran groups and law enforcement unions.
Comedian Turned Commentator
D.L. Hughley rose to fame in the mid-1990s as one of the Original Kings of Comedy and later starred in his own sitcom. Over the past decade, he has built a reputation as a political commentator on radio, television, and social media platforms. His willingness to address divisive topics has earned him both praise and criticism, but followers say his commentary remains rooted in a commitment to accountability.
On his Instagram page, Hughley frequently shares takes on current events. In recent weeks, he has posted about congressional gridlock, veteran affairs, and cultural controversies. This latest critique falls in line with a series of posts under the hashtag #TeamDL, where he calls out what he views as policy hypocrisies.
A Broader Debate On Riot Restitution
Supporters of the Babbitt settlement argue that the legislation was designed to cover all victims of January 6, regardless of their actions that day. Opponents counter that the intent was to aid law enforcement and staffers injured or traumatized during the riot, not to reward participants.
Legal experts note that the settlement is part of a no-fault compensation scheme embedded in a wider appropriations bill. Under that framework, claims are evaluated by an independent board, which reportedly approved the family’s claim after reviewing medical and legal documents.
Meanwhile, families of police officers wounded that day have come forward to say their own compensation claims remain mired in delays. At least two Capitol Police unions have publicly urged lawmakers to address the disparity.
Hughley’s post adds a celebrity voice to the discussion, bringing wider attention to the issue. Some audience members praised his stance, while others questioned whether any rioter should receive government funds at all.
With midterm elections on the horizon, the debate over how to handle January 6 victims—both law enforcement and participants—remains a sore spot for many Americans. As the country grapples with the fallout from that day, voices like Hughley’s are likely to keep the conversation alive.
Public reaction to D.L. Hughley’s post underscores a larger question: when it comes to taxpayer compensation, who qualifies as a victim and who bears responsibility for restoring order?
Trivia
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