Trump’s Justice Department: Fear and Fallout as Revenge Prosecutions Loom

[Social Media]

 

As Donald Trump prepares to assume the presidency once more, the Justice Department (DOJ) and the FBI are bracing for an era of political retribution. Legal experts and insiders believe that Trump’s nomination of staunch ally Matt Gaetz as attorney general signals a determined effort to consolidate control over the DOJ and pursue investigations against his perceived adversaries.  

 

Multiple current and former DOJ and FBI officials, fearing criminal investigations, have begun consulting lawyers, a move reflecting their heightened concerns. "Everything we did was aboveboard," stated a former senior FBI official anonymously, though they expect to be targeted regardless. They anticipate costly legal battles and potential congressional investigations as part of a broader strategy by Trump loyalists.  

 

Gaetz’s selection has amplified these fears. The former congressman, who faced but was not charged in a federal sex trafficking investigation, is seen by many as an enforcer of Trump’s agenda. A former DOJ official remarked, “He needs to be able to control the department, which he can do through a loyal AG beholden to him.” They added that Gaetz’s own vulnerabilities ensure his loyalty to Trump, who retains the power to protect him through potential pardons.  

 

The fear among DOJ and FBI officials stems from Trump’s consistent portrayal of their prior investigations as politically motivated. His spokesperson, Steven Cheung, dismissed all criminal charges against Trump as partisan attacks, calling for their dismissal. Legal experts view the looming investigations into Justice Department officials as a method to intimidate those who dare to scrutinize Trump’s actions.  

 

Stephen Gillers, an ethics professor at New York University, said, “Trump aims to neutralize sources of power that may impede him. That includes the law and legal institutions. He will tolerate no interference when the department’s decisions will benefit Trump and his allies or when its power can be deployed to retaliate against his enemies.”  

 

Inside the DOJ, morale has plummeted. Following Trump’s unexpected election victory, officials expressed shock and dismay, some even weeping at the prospect of his return to power. Attorney General Merrick Garland had sought to restore nonpartisan norms within the DOJ, but Trump's victory dashed those efforts.  

 

Despite Trump’s claims of corruption within the DOJ, officials maintain that their investigations, including federal charges related to Trump’s handling of classified documents and attempts to overturn the 2020 election, were conducted properly. “There’s no crime,” said one law enforcement official, puzzled by the allegations against them.  

 

However, conservative lawyer Mike Davis and others argue that DOJ officials, including special counsel Jack Smith, could be prosecuted under laws like “conspiracy against rights.” Critics dismiss such theories as baseless. Ilya Somin, a law professor at George Mason University, stated, “I think that’s absurd. I don’t see any legitimate charge that can be brought against Smith.”  

 

Legal experts warn, though, that investigations can unearth unrelated minor infractions. A special prosecutor, for instance, might find violations involving taxes or other offenses during broader probes. This tactic was evident during past investigations: Paul Manafort, Trump’s former campaign chairman, faced convictions unrelated to the original Russia inquiry, while Special Counsel John Durham’s examination of the 2016 election netted only a single guilty plea for an unrelated matter.  

 

For those targeted, the financial toll can be devastating. Many DOJ and FBI officials now face the prospect of exorbitant legal fees, adding to the personal and professional costs of becoming entangled in politically motivated investigations.  

 

Gillers noted that Trump’s nomination of Gaetz marks only the beginning of this strategy. “Elevating Gaetz is in part payback for Jack Smith’s two indictments,” he said. “The Justice Department is Trump’s white whale, and like Captain Ahab, Trump is determined to get even.”  

As the DOJ prepares for a turbulent future, the implications for the rule of law and the independence of legal institutions remain uncertain, raising questions about the durability of democratic norms in an era of escalating political vengeance.  

 

Based on a report by NBC News 2024-11-19

 

 

 

[thaibeachlovers]

1 hour ago, Social Media said:

Multiple current and former DOJ and FBI officials, fearing criminal investigations, have begun consulting lawyers, a move reflecting their heightened concerns.

I hope their fear is about something that will happen, and not just more bluster by Trump. If ever a cabal deserved to be taken down it's them.

 

It's time for payback! Best result- they'll be sharing that cell they had in mind for Trump. It's going to get real cosy in there.

 

 

BTW, where are all those posters that were wont to pontificate about how Trump would be in a jail cell by now? They seem to have gone very quiet .

[thaibeachlovers]

1 hour ago, Social Media said:

As the DOJ prepares for a turbulent future, the implications for the rule of law and the independence of legal institutions remain uncertain, raising questions about the durability of democratic norms in an era of escalating political vengeance.  

Given the shenanigans surrounding the removal of a nominated candidate for POTUS against his will, to be replaced by a woman with no political mandate of any kind, democracy in the US is already dead, IMO.

[Cryingdick]

MSNBC has already started sending envoys to Mar A lago to grovel at Trump's feet and beg for another chance.

[RichardColeman]

I do hope that he goes after these people, especially at the DOJ, CIA and FBI and those involved in Democrat fake prosecutions where there is CLEAR evidence against the democrats. The 51  agents would signed the computer documents should be rounded up and sentenced to 10 years immediately if they cannot explain why they signed a document stating evidence was fake.

 

That said, I would ask that he stop well clear of getting into democrat territory of prosecution on the fly. Trump has a right to after these people - not make matters worse with fake prosecutions of his own - and I say that as somewhat of a Trump supporter

[jippytum]

I hope Trump manages to arrange a pardon for himself following the duvious convictions from the legal witch hunt that failed to prevent him running for president. 

Perhaps he will retaliate  in kind to his persecuters. 

[JonnyF]

I'm torn on this.

 

Much as I wish Trump wouldn't sink to the Dems levels, I think some of the people who tried to subvert Democracy by using lawfare against their political opponents need to pay for their actions.

 

I think Trump going after them is inevitabe. The Dems lifted the lid on Pandoras box, and now they will pay the price. Squeaky bum time for the Dems. No wonder they are regretting the decision to bypass Democratic process (again) and select that empty vessel Harris. Has there ever been a less appropriately named party than the Democrats?

[soalbundy]

A parallel to the actions of the Emperor Tiberius and his enforcer Serjenus, the end of justice in ancient Rome, resulting in chaos and multiple murders in the Senate followed by Serjanuses own execution and the death from old age of a corrupt sexually perverted Emperor. The basket case America, even its basket is being unraveled, time for the free world to turn its face away from the unstable US in disgust.

[BritManToo]

14 minutes ago, soalbundy said:

time for the free world to turn its face away from the unstable US in disgust.

Hard to do when the Dems are firing missiles at Russia. 

[thaibeachlovers]

11 minutes ago, soalbundy said:

A parallel to the actions of the Emperor Tiberius and his enforcer Serjenus, the end of justice in ancient Rome, resulting in chaos and multiple murders in the Senate followed by Serjanuses own execution and the death from old age of a corrupt sexually perverted Emperor. The basket case America, even its basket is being unraveled, time for the free world to turn its face away from the unstable US in disgust.

Be careful what you wish for. I believe the fall of the Roman Empire led to the dark ages, which was not a happy time for most of the populated world, and led to the expansion of Islam into Europe ( which has already happened if you want to look for similarities.

 

The similarities between the fall of Rome and the current fall of western civilisation is everywhere if one wants to look for it. Most significant is the rise of bread and circuses which was used to quell the mob. What else are those huge sports arenas but Roman circuses without people being actually ripped apart for the mob's pleasure? How many millions just tuned in to see 2 grown men attempting to beat each other to a pulp.

We live in the end times, and it's not going to be pretty.

[thaibeachlovers]

10 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Hard to do when the Dems are firing missiles at Russia. 

Perhaps, but we shouldn't be joining them to provide the missiles.

[pattayasan]

3 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

Be careful what you wish for. I believe the fall of the Roman Empire led to the dark ages, which was not a happy time for most of the populated world, and led to the expansion of Islam into Europe ( which has already happened if you want to look for similarities.

 

The similarities between the fall of Rome and the current fall of western civilisation is everywhere if one wants to look for it. Most significant is the rise of bread and circuses which was used to quell the mob. What else are those huge sports arenas but Roman circuses without people being actually ripped apart for the mob's pleasure? How many millions just tuned in to see 2 grown men attempting to beat each other to a pulp.

We live in the end times, and it's not going to be pretty.

 

"The similarities between the fall of Rome and the current fall of western civilisation is everywhere if one wants to look for it."

 

And if one doesn't look for it one can't see it? You don't deign to give us one clue about what you're talking about. Do you get these in your email?

[BritManToo]

6 minutes ago, pattayasan said:

 

"The similarities between the fall of Rome and the current fall of western civilisation is everywhere if one wants to look for it."

 

And if one doesn't look for it one can't see it? You don't deign to give us one clue about what you're talking about. Do you get these in your email?

Rome fell because of too many immigrants and allowing immigrants to participate in the Senate. Letting foreigners own your countries land is also a problem.

[mikeymike100]

3 hours ago, thaibeachlovers said:

I hope their fear is about something that will happen, and not just more bluster by Trump. If ever a cabal deserved to be taken down it's them.

 

It's time for payback! Best result- they'll be sharing that cell they had in mind for Trump. It's going to get real cosy in there.

 

 

BTW, where are all those posters that were wont to pontificate about how Trump would be in a jail cell by now? They seem to have gone very quiet .

Totally agree, the Dems have been after Trump for almost 10 years, they do need to be taught a lesson they won't forget!

[newbee2022]

Trump will follow his mantra: revenge.

Same did Hitler in his 3rd Reich.

Not surprising. America is a failed fascist state.

[pattayasan]

6 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Rome fell because of too many immigrants and allowing immigrants to participate in the Senate. Letting foreigners own your countries land is also a problem.

 

If you bothered to do any research you'd know the US economy fared better than Europe largely but not entirely because of immigration. It has not been the drag you claim.

 

Immigrants increase the labor force, boost consumer spending, and start new businesses. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that immigration will increase GDP by $8.9 trillion between 2024 and 2034. source: chatGPY

[BritManToo]

8 minutes ago, pattayasan said:

If you bothered to do any research you'd know the US economy fared better than Europe largely but not entirely because of immigration. It has not been the drag you claim.

 

Immigrants increase the labor force, boost consumer spending, and start new businesses. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that immigration will increase GDP by $8.9 trillion between 2024 and 2034. source: chatGPY

I agree with you, Australia and America are made by immigrants, ship them all there.

Europe is already completely settled and doesn't need any more.

[Chomper Higgot]

1 hour ago, jippytum said:

I hope Trump manages to arrange a pardon for himself following the duvious convictions from the legal witch hunt that failed to prevent him running for president. 

Perhaps he will retaliate  in kind to his persecuters. 

Why would he need a pardon if the convictions are dubious?

 

He can simply file an appeal.

[BritManToo]

7 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

He can simply file an appeal.

Only if he removed all the Obama judges first.

[thaibeachlovers]

13 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Trump will follow his mantra: revenge.

Same did Hitler in his 3rd Reich.

Not surprising. America is a failed fascist state.

Better watch out then.

[herfiehandbag]

50 minutes ago, soalbundy said:

A parallel to the actions of the Emperor Tiberius and his enforcer Serjenus, the end of justice in ancient Rome, resulting in chaos and multiple murders in the Senate followed by Serjanuses own execution and the death from old age of a corrupt sexually perverted Emperor. The basket case America, even its basket is being unraveled, time for the free world to turn its face away from the unstable US in disgust.

Rather a good comparison - although if Trump is Tiberius does that make Waltz Caligula?

[herfiehandbag]

Interesting OP photo. Raises a couple of points ...

[thaibeachlovers]

6 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

I agree with you, Australia and America are made by immigrants, ship them all there.

Europe is already completely settled and doesn't need any more.

Given the US has created most of the wars since Korea, I think they should take all the refugees. Soros and Gates have enough money to keep them in the style they think they are entitled to.

 

Australia isn't suitable, as though it's a large continent only the coasts are capable of supporting a population, and they are full of the refugees that woke governments let in already.

[BritManToo]

12 minutes ago, herfiehandbag said:

Rather a good comparison - although if Trump is Tiberius does that make Waltz Caligula?

And Biden would be Claudius!

[thaibeachlovers]

1 hour ago, JonnyF said:

No wonder they are regretting the decision to bypass Democratic process (again) and select that empty vessel Harris.

Anyone know where she is hiding? I just realised that she hasn't been contaminating the news on Al Jazeera for a while now.

With any luck she will join a silent order of nuns and never be heard from again.

[thaibeachlovers]

2 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

And Biden would be Claudius!

Who will be Caesar's wife

[soalbundy]

35 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

Be careful what you wish for. I believe the fall of the Roman Empire led to the dark ages, which was not a happy time for most of the populated world, and led to the expansion of Islam into Europe ( which has already happened if you want to look for similarities.

 

The similarities between the fall of Rome and the current fall of western civilisation is everywhere if one wants to look for it. Most significant is the rise of bread and circuses which was used to quell the mob. What else are those huge sports arenas but Roman circuses without people being actually ripped apart for the mob's pleasure? How many millions just tuned in to see 2 grown men attempting to beat each other to a pulp.

We live in the end times, and it's not going to be pretty.

While I agree that Western civilization is on a knives edge (mainly due to corruption, greed and poor levels of leadership) the end of an era is merely the start of a new one which isn't seamless, the collapse of the British empire and Pax Britannia lasted decades as did that of the Roman empire.

 

The dark ages are only referred to as such because there was little to no written record keeping, trade and works of art still existed. When Roman governance gradually declined and the troops left Britain the Brits left the towns and reverted back to their old ways of living, the Romano-British civilization was superficial at best.

 

America was a good idea which got out of hand, as Oscar Wilde said, "Of course many countries had discovered America before Columbus but they kept quiet about it", further he remarked, "It's the only country that evolved from barbarity to decadence without an interval of civilization". Europe has always viewed America with amused skepticism, it isn't stable, sometimes it shows awe inspiring greatness and then sinks back to the antics of a school yard, like now. It isn't the end of all things, it just complicates matters, a harbinger of a new direction.

[parallelman]

1 hour ago, newbee2022 said:

Trump will follow his mantra: revenge.

Same did Hitler in his 3rd Reich.

Not surprising. America is a failed fascist state.

The Demacrats might have lost the election buI are still in power...are you saying that the present government are failed fascists?

[AndreasHG]

5 hours ago, thaibeachlovers said:

I hope their fear is about something that will happen

 

I really hope you get in full what you are wishing for and what you deserve. And realize, when it is too late, that having a third world political leadership, comes with perks such as a third world legal system, a third world economy, third world stock and bond markets, third world welfare, third world law enforcement and a third world currency.

 

It's one single package and the US spiraling down into third world status (wokes would say 'emerging market' status) has just began.

 

What made the USA a great power was first and foremost the rule of law, its predictability, its coherence over time and across different administrations. This is what has made long-term investing in the United States attractive. What trump is doing to the USA is what Hugo Chavez did to Venezuela or Juan Peron did to Argentina. And it didn't end well.

 

Unfortunately, massive Latino immigration to the United States has radically changed the character of the country and nothing and no one can stem this tide. Trump is only the symptom of a terminal cultural illness. The death of the WASP USA and the birth of a Latino one.

 

Enjoy the downward ride.

 

[Eric Loh]

1 hour ago, mikeymike100 said:

Totally agree, the Dems have been after Trump for almost 10 years, they do need to be taught a lesson they won't forget!

Seem lawfare is ok now.