President Donald Trump says his only retribution would be “success,” but recent actions against opponents are fueling concerns about potential Trump political retribution, including threats involving federal funding and media licenses.
A History of “Lawfare Payback“
Trump has a long history of a fighting instinct, targeting both Democrats and Republicans who defy him. He believes Democrats waged “lawfare” against him for years, viewing multiple investigations as a scheme to remove him from the political race.
This perspective of a Trump lawfare payback is central to his view of cases like the civil fraud suit from New York AG Letitia James. That case resulted in a $354 million fine from Judge Arthur Engoron, a penalty that an appellate court later threw out.
Revisiting the Trump Chris Christie Bridgegate Scandal
Trump has publicly suggested that the 2013 “Bridgegate” scandal involving former ally Chris Christie should be investigated again. “For the sake of JUSTICE, perhaps we should start looking at that very serious situation again?” Trump stated.
The original scandal involved lane closures on the George Washington Bridge as political retribution. While two of Christie’s top aides were convicted, the Supreme Court later overturned those convictions.
Concerns Grow Over Trump Political Retribution
What the press views as attacks on opponents, the president reportedly sees as “basic payback” and an attempt at “getting even.” Trump has said of Christie’s alleged role in the bridge scandal, “I always thought he got away with murder.“
This approach extends to other perceived adversaries, including former national security adviser John Bolton, whose home was raided by the FBI. Trump called Bolton one of the “fired losers and really dumb people” in a public statement.
Trump Calls to Revoke NBC License
The president has also targeted news organizations, specifically calling for the FCC to revoke the broadcast licenses of ABC and NBC. Trump claims the networks are “simply an arm of the Democrat party” and give him 97% “BAD STORIES.“
“Crooked ‘journalism’ should not be rewarded, it should be terminated!!!” Trump declared. He has also proposed that such networks should pay millions of dollars in license fees.
Trump Threatens Maryland Bridge Funding
Following a public dispute, Trump threatened to reconsider federal funding for Maryland’s Francis Scott Key Bridge. The conflict began after Governor Wes Moore invited Trump to “walk the streets of Maryland” with him.
Trump responded by suggesting Moore first “clean up this Crime disaster” in Baltimore. He then questioned the aid, asking, “I will now have to rethink that decision???“
Congress had previously approved the funds after the bridge was destroyed last year.
An “Endless Cycle” of Payback
These actions have raised concerns that they could create a precedent for future administrations. Such a scenario could lead to an “endless cycle” where Democrats feel justified in targeting their own opponents as political payback upon returning to power.
