Those relationships place senior Justice Department officials in roles that could require them to review or approve any potential payout. Department spokesman Chad Gilmartin noted that “all officials at the Department of Justice follow the guidance of career ethics officials” regarding potential recusals.

At the White House on Tuesday, Trump addressed questions about the reports, saying he was unaware of specific figures and was not personally pursuing damages. “I don’t know what the numbers are. I don’t even talk to [the legal team] about it,” he replied. “All I know is that they would owe me a lot of money, but I’m not looking for money. I’d give it to charity.”