Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has made bold promises to investigate or prosecute political rivals and election workers if he wins the presidency again. He claims this is necessary to combat election fraud, despite numerous courts, state governments, and even members of his former administration rejecting these allegations.
Trump has consistently stated that he was a victim of widespread fraud in the 2020 presidential election. He specifically targets Democratic rival Kamala Harris, alleging that she may cheat in the upcoming election on November 5. His claims lack substantial evidence but continue to fuel his campaign narrative.
Kamala Harris, for her part, has warned that if Trump is elected, he will seek extreme and unchecked powers.
“The Enemy from Within”
During a recent interview on Fox News, Trump expressed concerns about “the enemy from within” on Election Day. He described radical left-wing activists as “sick people” and suggested that the National Guard or even the military might be necessary to handle potential chaos. Critics have voiced alarm over his remarks, interpreting them as a dangerous indication that he might view the armed forces as a tool against political opponents.
In an interview with popular podcaster Joe Rogan, Trump reiterated this notion, stating that “the enemy from within” is a greater threat than North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Trump has outlined plans to investigate several political figures, including Harris, President Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama, and Liz Cheney, a notable Trump critic. At a rally in Pennsylvania, Trump accused Harris of orchestrating “the biggest crime story of our time” concerning illegal border crossings, suggesting she should be impeached and prosecuted.
He has also called for military tribunals for Cheney and Obama on his Truth Social platform, indicating a willingness to escalate political tensions.
Threats Against Election Workers
On October 25, Trump issued dire warnings regarding the prosecution of individuals he suspects of election cheating. He posted on Truth Social, cautioning that “this legal exposure extends to lawyers, political operatives, donors, illegal voters, & corrupt election officials.” Trump’s rhetoric suggests an intention to pursue unprecedented levels of prosecution against anyone he perceives as involved in “unscrupulous behavior.”
Read: Lebanese PM Mikati Hopes for Ceasefire Soon Amid Ongoing Conflict
Trump and his supporters have been laying the groundwork to contest a potential loss in November. He has stoked doubts about the election’s legitimacy, labeling mail-in ballots as corrupt and encouraging supporters to vote in large numbers to prevent any manipulation.
Following pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses this year, Trump told Fox News that those who desecrate the American flag should face a one-year jail sentence. He expressed a desire to collaborate with Congress to make this a reality. Additionally, Trump has stated that he would ban refugee resettlement from areas he deems “terror-infested,” such as Gaza.
Tech Sector Warnings
Trump has also targeted tech giants, warning Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Google about potential election interference. He accused Meta of suppressing damaging content during the 2020 election. Trump stated, “We are watching him closely, and if he does anything illegal this time he will spend the rest of his life in prison,” in his newly published book.
While Zuckerberg has not publicly responded to Trump’s threats, Trump has made it clear that he intends to pursue action against Google as well. He claims that Google displays negative stories about him and hinted at seeking criminal investigations against the company.
Threats to Prosecutors
Trump and his allies have openly called for the prosecution, firing, or jailing of prosecutors who oppose him or investigate his actions. In an interview with Time, Trump indicated he would consider firing U.S. Attorneys who refuse to comply with his orders.
He has specifically mentioned Jack Smith, the federal prosecutor overseeing probes into his alleged election interference and mishandling of classified documents. Trump previously labeled Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg “the criminal” after Bragg secured the first-ever criminal charges against a former U.S. president.
Follow us on Google News, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Whats App, and TikTok for latest updates