President Donald Trump linked the pace of federal settlements for Camp Lejeune water-contamination claims to the Nov. 3 midterms, saying the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) would act quickly if Republicans win Congress.
At an Oct. 20 rally in Greenville, North Carolina, Trump said he was directing DOJ to expedite all outstanding claims he described as legitimate if Republicans win both the House and Senate. “If we don’t win, there’s no money,” he told the crowd. Trump did not explain whether he meant slower settlements, no future payments or a broader halt.
Trump also said his administration had delivered $1 billion in cash settlements to veterans and families affected by the contamination. DOJ's latest posted figures, dated Sept. 18, show payouts above $879 million and settlement offers above $1.1 billion. Those figures do not verify Trump's later $1 billion claim.
Section 804 of the 2022 PACT Act allows people exposed to Camp Lejeune water for at least 30 days between Aug. 1, 1953, and Dec. 31, 1987, to bring a federal action in eastern North Carolina seeking relief for harm caused by the exposure.
The Navy says the deadline for new administrative claims has passed and it no longer accepts them. DOJ outlines settlement and litigation procedures for cases already filed. A voluntary option for eligible claimants to settle outside court, the Elective Option, launched in September 2023. DOJ's March 2026 release put awards under the option at $100,000 to $550,000 per qualified claimant.
The Associated Press reported that Camp Lejeune family advocate Jill Steen Dilgard said the remarks made her physically sick and infuriated her. White House spokesman Davis Ingle told the AP Trump wanted Republicans to retain their majority so he could continue his policy agenda.
The AP also reported a September episode in Gastonia, North Carolina, when Trump said he would not send more Hurricane Helene recovery money if Republican Senate candidate Michael Whatley lost, then said he was joking. The midterm election is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3.
