Trump vowed retaliation. These are his targets.
The article examines the extensive list of individuals that Trump has vowed to retaliate against, including Liz Cheney, Jack Smith, and Mark Milley.
TroibNews 
Donald Trump ran a campaign rooted in themes of retribution, and now he finds himself in a prime position to act on that agenda.
For years, Trump has infused his speeches and social media commentary with calls for revenge against his political detractors, critics, and media members, suggesting they be prosecuted, imprisoned, deported, or even executed. As the 2024 campaign drew to a close, these threats escalated to unprecedented levels.
Having secured his victory, Trump now possesses both a public mandate and the authority to begin executing his punitive plans.
Supporters of Trump often viewed these threats as mere political rhetoric designed to energize his base, citing a lack of significant action during his first term. However, some of Trump’s closest aides have cautioned that he may be more inclined to take action in a second term, unencumbered by re-election concerns, and supported by a Supreme Court ruling that affords presidents broad immunity from criminal prosecution post-office. Moreover, he is anticipated to have a team of advisors more eager to bypass conventional norms to fulfill his directives.
Based on Trump's statements, here are several individuals who might face his wrath:
**President Joe Biden**: Trump has frequently labeled Biden as corrupt. In June, he shared a Truth Social post stating Biden should be “arrested for treason.” During a speech last year, Trump declared, “I will appoint a real special prosecutor to go after the most corrupt president in the history of the United States of America, Joe Biden, and the entire Biden crime family.”
**Vice President Kamala Harris**: Trump has criticized Harris for her handling of immigration, claiming her negligence has resulted in deaths. At a rally in Pennsylvania last September, he asserted that Harris “should be impeached and prosecuted” for what he described as an “invasion” of undocumented immigrants.
**Former President Barack Obama**: Trump accused Obama of “treason” in 2020 regarding the FBI's surveillance of his 2016 campaign. More recently, he supported calls on Truth Social for “public military tribunals” for Obama.
**Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton**: The chant “Lock her up!” became iconic during Trump’s 2016 rallies, alluding to Clinton’s private email usage. In a June interview, Trump suggested Clinton should be prosecuted similarly to himself, questioning, “Wouldn't it be terrible to throw the president's wife and the former secretary of state … into jail?”
**Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi**: Earlier this year, Trump called for Pelosi’s prosecution over her husband's stock sale, stating she “should be prosecuted for that.” He also criticized her for security lapses during the January 6 Capitol riot and remarked that she “could’ve gone to jail for” tearing up his State of the Union address.
**New York Attorney General Letitia James**: Trump has expressed outrage toward James for suing him over alleged business fraud, recently suggesting that “she should be prosecuted” for her actions.
**Manhattan Justice Arthur Engoron**: Engoron faced significant criticism from Trump during James’s civil fraud case. Trump stated that Engoron “should be arrested and punished accordingly.”
**Former Rep. Liz Cheney**: Cheney, who served on the January 6 committee and publicly criticized Trump, drew his ire; he has called for her to “go to jail” and accused her of treason.
**Special Counsel Jack Smith**: Tasked with prosecuting Trump federally, Smith has become a target of Trump's grievances. Trump has branded Smith “mentally deranged” and called for his prosecution.
**Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg**: Bragg, responsible for prosecuting Trump on felony charges, has been threatened with prosecution himself by Trump.
**Former Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley**: Trump has repeatedly condemned Milley, claiming his actions during Trump's transition were traitorous and suggesting that “this is an act so egregious that, in times gone by, the punishment would have been DEATH!”
**Former FBI Director James Comey**: After firing Comey, Trump sought to prosecute him over alleged leaks, claiming Comey “leaked CLASSIFIED information,” although the Justice Department ultimately did not charge him.
**Hunter Biden and the Biden Family**: Trump has vowed to investigate alleged corruption connected to Biden’s family, stating, “When I get back in office, I will appoint a real special prosecutor to investigate every detail of the Biden crime family of corruption.”
**Former FBI special agent Peter Strzok**: Strzok has been a frequent target of Trump's accusations of treason based on disparaging text messages about Trump during the 2016 campaign.
**Former FBI attorney Lisa Page**: Trump has also implicated Page, linking her actions with Strzok to treasonous behavior.
**Rep. Adam Schiff**: Trump has repeatedly berated Schiff, calling him a “sleazebag and traitor,” and questioning whether he deserves arrest for treason.
**Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg**: Trump's allies have criticized Zuckerberg for his financial support for election infrastructure, which they allege was intended to undermine Trump’s campaign.
**Former Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Mark Pomerantz**: Trump has attacked Pomerantz for writing a book while involved in prosecuting him, alleging he could face felony charges for sharing grand jury information.
**Former Trump attorney Michael Cohen**: Cohen has been a frequent target of Trump's derision, particularly after he became a key witness in the hush money case against Trump.
**U.S. Capitol Police Lt. Michael Byrd**: Trump, alongside some supporters, has called for Byrd's prosecution following the shooting of rioter Ashli Babbitt during the January 6 riot.
**Rep. Jamaal Bowman**: After Bowman activated a fire alarm during a vote, Trump demanded his prosecution for obstruction of Congress.
**51 intelligence professionals**: Trump's outrage over a letter from intelligence experts dismissing Hunter Biden's laptop as a potential Russian disinformation effort continues, and he has called for their prosecution.
**Members of the January 6 select committee**: Trump has included all members of the January 6 committee in his calls for criminal investigations, labeling them as “political Hacks & Thugs.”
**Unspecified individuals engaged in election fraud**: Trump continues to threaten severe consequences for anyone involved, asserting, “WHEN I WIN, those people that CHEATED will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the Law.”
**PMG reporters and editors**: Trump has suggested harsh penalties for journalists who do not reveal sources, particularly regarding comments surrounding a leaked Supreme Court opinion.
This list paints a troubling picture of how Trump's past rhetoric may translate into actions, especially given his newfound authority following the recent election.As Trump solidifies his power and presence in the political landscape, the implications of his promised retribution extend far beyond mere threats. The individuals named in his outbursts represent not just a political agenda but also a potential shift in the American judicial system's handling of political dissent and accountability.
The atmosphere around Trump's second term could foster a climate where punitive measures against opponents become normalized, setting a precedent that may impact future administrations. With Trump’s vocal supporters in Congress and the potential for a more favorable judiciary, the mechanisms of government could be weaponized against those who stood in opposition during his previous tenure and beyond.
While some people may see this as a necessary counteraction against perceived corruption, others fear that it signals a dangerous path toward authoritarianism. The escalation of such threats suggests not only a vendetta against perceived enemies but also a troubling vindictiveness that prioritizes personal grievances over governance.
The legal battles that Trump already faces stand to further inflame this retribution narrative. Each courtroom clash, each prosecution, and each defense can serve to bolster his claims of victimization in the name of political retribution, rallying his base around the notion of fighting against an unfair system. As he seeks to navigate these tumultuous waters, it’s likely that he will continue to hold up his adversaries as examples of injustice in the hopes of galvanizing support.
This environment may provoke responses from those on the receiving end of Trump’s ire, leading to a potential spiral of conflict and retaliation. The fear among public figures, especially those from the Democratic Party or the media, could lead to increased caution in political discourse, impacting how subjects are covered and how politicians engage with the public. A chilling effect may ensue, where critics hesitate to voice dissenting opinions or to hold Trump accountable for his actions, fearing repercussions.
Moreover, with Trump signaling intentions to drain the swamp, the fate of many federal, state, and local officials who opposed him could be in jeopardy. Those in positions of power may find themselves scrutinized under a lens that values loyalty over integrity, shifting the focus away from public service and towards personal allegiance.
As the 2024 elections approach, the narrative likely will become increasingly polarized. For Trump, the looming possibility of legal action against him is not merely a challenge but a rallying call for his supporters. Every accusation from the opposing party could be spun into a war story, feeding the narrative that he is the underdog fighting a corrupt establishment.
The longer-term ramifications of Trump's approach could lead to a fracturing of political norms in American governance—risks not only for his adversaries but for the very institutions that uphold democracy. If aggressive rhetoric is transformed into action, it could encourage a cycle of retaliation that extends beyond Trump’s presidency, inspiring future officeholders to view political rivalry as personal enmity rather than policy debate.
Thus, the trajectory of Trump's second term remains uncertain, fraught with potential implications for U.S. democracy, the independence of the judiciary, and the relationship between citizens and their government. As the landscape changes, so too will the strategies employed by both supporters and opponents of Trump, with an eye on creating a lasting impact that resonates far into the future.
In this unfolding drama, the stakes couldn't be higher, and the attention of the nation will undoubtedly remain fixed on how Trump navigates his newly acquired power and the choices he makes regarding those who oppose him. His ability to turn words into action could redefine the contours of American political discourse and progressively reshape the nation’s governance, fostering a climate where retribution thrives alongside partisanship. The ramifications of any potential actions taken during a second Trump presidency will likely echo through the corridors of power for years to come, challenging the boundaries of accountability and justice in the face of political rivalry.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
For years, Trump has infused his speeches and social media commentary with calls for revenge against his political detractors, critics, and media members, suggesting they be prosecuted, imprisoned, deported, or even executed. As the 2024 campaign drew to a close, these threats escalated to unprecedented levels.
Having secured his victory, Trump now possesses both a public mandate and the authority to begin executing his punitive plans.
Supporters of Trump often viewed these threats as mere political rhetoric designed to energize his base, citing a lack of significant action during his first term. However, some of Trump’s closest aides have cautioned that he may be more inclined to take action in a second term, unencumbered by re-election concerns, and supported by a Supreme Court ruling that affords presidents broad immunity from criminal prosecution post-office. Moreover, he is anticipated to have a team of advisors more eager to bypass conventional norms to fulfill his directives.
Based on Trump's statements, here are several individuals who might face his wrath:
**President Joe Biden**: Trump has frequently labeled Biden as corrupt. In June, he shared a Truth Social post stating Biden should be “arrested for treason.” During a speech last year, Trump declared, “I will appoint a real special prosecutor to go after the most corrupt president in the history of the United States of America, Joe Biden, and the entire Biden crime family.”
**Vice President Kamala Harris**: Trump has criticized Harris for her handling of immigration, claiming her negligence has resulted in deaths. At a rally in Pennsylvania last September, he asserted that Harris “should be impeached and prosecuted” for what he described as an “invasion” of undocumented immigrants.
**Former President Barack Obama**: Trump accused Obama of “treason” in 2020 regarding the FBI's surveillance of his 2016 campaign. More recently, he supported calls on Truth Social for “public military tribunals” for Obama.
**Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton**: The chant “Lock her up!” became iconic during Trump’s 2016 rallies, alluding to Clinton’s private email usage. In a June interview, Trump suggested Clinton should be prosecuted similarly to himself, questioning, “Wouldn't it be terrible to throw the president's wife and the former secretary of state … into jail?”
**Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi**: Earlier this year, Trump called for Pelosi’s prosecution over her husband's stock sale, stating she “should be prosecuted for that.” He also criticized her for security lapses during the January 6 Capitol riot and remarked that she “could’ve gone to jail for” tearing up his State of the Union address.
**New York Attorney General Letitia James**: Trump has expressed outrage toward James for suing him over alleged business fraud, recently suggesting that “she should be prosecuted” for her actions.
**Manhattan Justice Arthur Engoron**: Engoron faced significant criticism from Trump during James’s civil fraud case. Trump stated that Engoron “should be arrested and punished accordingly.”
**Former Rep. Liz Cheney**: Cheney, who served on the January 6 committee and publicly criticized Trump, drew his ire; he has called for her to “go to jail” and accused her of treason.
**Special Counsel Jack Smith**: Tasked with prosecuting Trump federally, Smith has become a target of Trump's grievances. Trump has branded Smith “mentally deranged” and called for his prosecution.
**Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg**: Bragg, responsible for prosecuting Trump on felony charges, has been threatened with prosecution himself by Trump.
**Former Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley**: Trump has repeatedly condemned Milley, claiming his actions during Trump's transition were traitorous and suggesting that “this is an act so egregious that, in times gone by, the punishment would have been DEATH!”
**Former FBI Director James Comey**: After firing Comey, Trump sought to prosecute him over alleged leaks, claiming Comey “leaked CLASSIFIED information,” although the Justice Department ultimately did not charge him.
**Hunter Biden and the Biden Family**: Trump has vowed to investigate alleged corruption connected to Biden’s family, stating, “When I get back in office, I will appoint a real special prosecutor to investigate every detail of the Biden crime family of corruption.”
**Former FBI special agent Peter Strzok**: Strzok has been a frequent target of Trump's accusations of treason based on disparaging text messages about Trump during the 2016 campaign.
**Former FBI attorney Lisa Page**: Trump has also implicated Page, linking her actions with Strzok to treasonous behavior.
**Rep. Adam Schiff**: Trump has repeatedly berated Schiff, calling him a “sleazebag and traitor,” and questioning whether he deserves arrest for treason.
**Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg**: Trump's allies have criticized Zuckerberg for his financial support for election infrastructure, which they allege was intended to undermine Trump’s campaign.
**Former Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Mark Pomerantz**: Trump has attacked Pomerantz for writing a book while involved in prosecuting him, alleging he could face felony charges for sharing grand jury information.
**Former Trump attorney Michael Cohen**: Cohen has been a frequent target of Trump's derision, particularly after he became a key witness in the hush money case against Trump.
**U.S. Capitol Police Lt. Michael Byrd**: Trump, alongside some supporters, has called for Byrd's prosecution following the shooting of rioter Ashli Babbitt during the January 6 riot.
**Rep. Jamaal Bowman**: After Bowman activated a fire alarm during a vote, Trump demanded his prosecution for obstruction of Congress.
**51 intelligence professionals**: Trump's outrage over a letter from intelligence experts dismissing Hunter Biden's laptop as a potential Russian disinformation effort continues, and he has called for their prosecution.
**Members of the January 6 select committee**: Trump has included all members of the January 6 committee in his calls for criminal investigations, labeling them as “political Hacks & Thugs.”
**Unspecified individuals engaged in election fraud**: Trump continues to threaten severe consequences for anyone involved, asserting, “WHEN I WIN, those people that CHEATED will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the Law.”
**PMG reporters and editors**: Trump has suggested harsh penalties for journalists who do not reveal sources, particularly regarding comments surrounding a leaked Supreme Court opinion.
This list paints a troubling picture of how Trump's past rhetoric may translate into actions, especially given his newfound authority following the recent election.As Trump solidifies his power and presence in the political landscape, the implications of his promised retribution extend far beyond mere threats. The individuals named in his outbursts represent not just a political agenda but also a potential shift in the American judicial system's handling of political dissent and accountability.
The atmosphere around Trump's second term could foster a climate where punitive measures against opponents become normalized, setting a precedent that may impact future administrations. With Trump’s vocal supporters in Congress and the potential for a more favorable judiciary, the mechanisms of government could be weaponized against those who stood in opposition during his previous tenure and beyond.
While some people may see this as a necessary counteraction against perceived corruption, others fear that it signals a dangerous path toward authoritarianism. The escalation of such threats suggests not only a vendetta against perceived enemies but also a troubling vindictiveness that prioritizes personal grievances over governance.
The legal battles that Trump already faces stand to further inflame this retribution narrative. Each courtroom clash, each prosecution, and each defense can serve to bolster his claims of victimization in the name of political retribution, rallying his base around the notion of fighting against an unfair system. As he seeks to navigate these tumultuous waters, it’s likely that he will continue to hold up his adversaries as examples of injustice in the hopes of galvanizing support.
This environment may provoke responses from those on the receiving end of Trump’s ire, leading to a potential spiral of conflict and retaliation. The fear among public figures, especially those from the Democratic Party or the media, could lead to increased caution in political discourse, impacting how subjects are covered and how politicians engage with the public. A chilling effect may ensue, where critics hesitate to voice dissenting opinions or to hold Trump accountable for his actions, fearing repercussions.
Moreover, with Trump signaling intentions to drain the swamp, the fate of many federal, state, and local officials who opposed him could be in jeopardy. Those in positions of power may find themselves scrutinized under a lens that values loyalty over integrity, shifting the focus away from public service and towards personal allegiance.
As the 2024 elections approach, the narrative likely will become increasingly polarized. For Trump, the looming possibility of legal action against him is not merely a challenge but a rallying call for his supporters. Every accusation from the opposing party could be spun into a war story, feeding the narrative that he is the underdog fighting a corrupt establishment.
The longer-term ramifications of Trump's approach could lead to a fracturing of political norms in American governance—risks not only for his adversaries but for the very institutions that uphold democracy. If aggressive rhetoric is transformed into action, it could encourage a cycle of retaliation that extends beyond Trump’s presidency, inspiring future officeholders to view political rivalry as personal enmity rather than policy debate.
Thus, the trajectory of Trump's second term remains uncertain, fraught with potential implications for U.S. democracy, the independence of the judiciary, and the relationship between citizens and their government. As the landscape changes, so too will the strategies employed by both supporters and opponents of Trump, with an eye on creating a lasting impact that resonates far into the future.
In this unfolding drama, the stakes couldn't be higher, and the attention of the nation will undoubtedly remain fixed on how Trump navigates his newly acquired power and the choices he makes regarding those who oppose him. His ability to turn words into action could redefine the contours of American political discourse and progressively reshape the nation’s governance, fostering a climate where retribution thrives alongside partisanship. The ramifications of any potential actions taken during a second Trump presidency will likely echo through the corridors of power for years to come, challenging the boundaries of accountability and justice in the face of political rivalry.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
