John,

In a recent post on his social media platform, Donald Trump confirmed once again what he’s been saying for over a year now: in a second term he hopes to prosecute his political opponents.

“WHEN I WIN, those people that CHEATED will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the Law, which will include long term prison sentences so that this Depravity of Justice does not happen again.”

In another post, he identified CREW as one of those opponents, and even called us “Enemies of the People.”

John, these threats are real and very dangerous. And this isn't the first time that Trump has made these kinds of claims or threats against those — like CREW — who have worked to hold Trump accountable to the law.

We take Trump’s statements seriously, which is why earlier this year we analyzed them in depth, and proposed a series of reforms that would provide guardrails against the types of abuses of power that Trump has been threatening.

Our research team analyzed over 13,000 of Trump’s posts, and tracked dozens of times that he threatened to use the government to target political opponents. He’s also threatened or suggested that the FBI and the Department of Justice should take action against senators, judges and even non-governmental organizations.

Last June he posted that during a second Trump presidency, “Democrats are going to start getting indicted” and in one instance he reposted a call for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg to be “put in jail,” and another for New York Attorney General Letitia James and Judge Arthur Engoron to be “PLACED UNDER CITIZENS ARREST.”

Trump’s posts should not be taken as empty threats. He is forecasting clearly that a possible second Trump presidency would be sharply focused on revenge, including weaponization of the federal government against political opponents, judges, former presidents, and others.

Now would be a very good time for Congress to act to prevent any president from weaponizing key branches of the federal government against their perceived enemies. That means passing the Protecting Our Democracy Act and reforming the Insurrection Act.

CREW is fighting to protect our democracy. Please, if you can, make a donation to help us continue our important work →

Thanks,

Arielle Linsky Stogner
Senior Vice President
CREW