The Trump administration is closing in on $1 billion in payments to American veterans, families and civilian employees who were exposed to toxic drinking water at Marine Corps Camp Lejeune in North Carolina between 1953 and 1987.For many, the payouts would finally rectify a decades-long battle for justice.According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), claimants have received more than $919.7 million since President Donald Trump began his second term in office in January 2025.The administration has paid out about 3,300 people who made claims under the 2022 law.
From that year to the beginning of 2025, before Trump retook office, only 459 settlements had been paid, totaling $59.6 million.Payments under the program range from $100,000 to $550,000, depending on the illness.The main gate to Camp Lejeune Marine Base is seen outside Jacksonville, N.C., on April 29, 2022.(Allen G.
Breed/AP)"Tonight I’m pleased to announce my administration has delivered $1 billion in cash settlements to these veterans and their families, in addition to 3.1 billion for the VA and ordering the DOJ to settle all remaining legitimate claims as soon as possible," Trump said at a rally in North Carolina on Tuesday night."We don’t want to give any to the trial lawyers, we want it all to go to the families."The claims are due to be paid out under a 2022 law, the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, which includes the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.
Under the law, victims who developed cancer or other illnesses from the drinking water on the base are entitled to relief.MILITARY FAMILIES WANT DOJ TO DISTRIBUTE NEARLY $800M FROM FRENCH CEMENT COMPANY FOUND GUILTY OF BRIBING ISISThe Trump administration in March announced that it was making settlements a priority, and made a concerted effort to accelerate the pace of the payouts.Ed Bell is a South Carolina-based attorney who spearheaded the charge to pass the law.He's been an attorney for 44 yea...