With the presidential election approaching swiftly in just two weeks, Donald Trump, the former President, has recently stepped up his critiques on individuals he frequently labels as ‘internal adversaries’ during his podcast and cable TV appearances. During one such interview, Trump declared that the National Guard or, if necessary, the military, could easily manage any disturbances caused by ‘extreme left-wing fanatics’ during the election. This is not the first instance of Trump voicing his consent for the deployment of government forces against domestic political opponents. Since initiating his preparation for the presidential campaign in 2022, Trump has levied over 100 threats to criminally probe, prosecute, jail, or otherwise penalize individuals he sees as rivals.
An analysis of Trump’s speeches at rallies, press briefings, interviews, and social media updates reveals that he often insinuated the employment of federal law enforcement as a tool in his bid to exact ‘payback.’ Trump took the stance at a prior political rally that Vice President Kamala Harris ‘should face impeachment and prosecution.’ The responses of Trump and his associates to these threats have ranged from ignoring them to justifying them. The basis for some of these justifications is the four legal proceedings pursued against Trump post-presidency.
One of these cases saw a jury in New York pronounce Trump culpable of 34 felony charges linked to hush money he spent to conceal an alleged extramarital affair with adult movie actress Stormy Daniels. Trump is currently seeking to overturn this decision. When queried by right-leaning radio host Glenn Beck about the possibility of incarcerating his adversaries during a potential second term, Trump retorted, ‘There’s no alternative because they’re doing the same to us.’
Legal professionals believe there are limited checks to prevent Trump from implementing his plans to prosecute rivals, noting that during his first term, Trump pressed the Department of Justice to delve into his adversaries. The Justice Department heeded Trump’s pressure and launched investigations in approximately a dozen cases. According to some experts, if Trump pursues his declared plans during a second term, such actions could put American civil freedoms at risk and deter criticism of the president.
Trump’s threats have already caused a select few of his focused targets to plan for possible adverse circumstances, including setting aside money and contemplating relocating overseas if Trump is victorious in the upcoming elections. Many of Trump’s threats pertain to his enduring baseless allegations about election fraud and his groundless claim of winning the 2020 election.
Additionally, Trump has frequently targeted prosecutors, jurists, and even courthouse staff related to the prosecutions against him for alleged election interferences, unauthorized retention of classified material, and business fraud. Trump is working on contesting the judgment handed down against him. In one scenario, Trump alluded that Gen. Mark Milley, one of his administration’s Joint Chiefs of Staff chairperson, could face capital punishment for his efforts to mitigate tensions with China following the unsettling events of January 6.
After engaging in a presidential debate with Harris on ABC News, Trump requested the FCC to rescind ABC’s broadcasting license due to his impression of unfavorable bias from the moderators. He also demanded an investigation into CBS News associated with purported campaign finance infractions following their broadcast of an interview with Vice President Harris. Also, it’s worth noting that he once suggested revoking NBC’s license because of his issues with their news coverage.
Trump continues to target McCabe with threats. Steve Bannon, a significant supporter of Trump who also served as the Presidential Chief Strategist during his time at the White House, suggested on his podcast that McCabe ‘should be concerned’ about a potential retaliation from Trump if he returns to his Presidential duties. Bannon was quoted saying, ‘You should be incredibly concerned. Furthermore, just realize this, we have extradition agreements with almost every country. You can persist with the futile effort of outrunning us. We’re going to hunt you down.’ Trump then shared Bannon’s comments.
McCabe disclosed that he had held difficult discussions with his family about the conceivable actions Trump might take upon his return to the White House. He mentioned he knows former officials pondering overseas relocation. ‘I’ve dedicated 21 years of my life serving this nation and have no intention to abandon it,’ McCabe stated. ‘However, this forces you to make a hard choice against your immediate family who just wishes you to be safe.’
Grisham has also begun contingency planning if Trump secures re-entry into the White House, which includes setting aside money. Though Trump has yet to threaten her with possible jail time or prosecution, he did personally chastise her following the publication of her book which provided a critical assessment of his administration. ‘I, along with several friends who dared to voice their opinions, live in fear for our well-being,’ Grisham shared. ‘The mere thought of being on the receiving end of the wrath of the most influential person in the world is indeed terrifying.’