Many who opposed Trump are anxious about potential audits, pension losses, and hefty legal costs as he returns to power.
Washington: So, it looks like folks who’ve crossed paths with Trump are feeling pretty uneasy. It’s not just about the legal stuff; they’re worried about things like getting audited by the IRS or even losing their pensions. Yikes!
With Trump back in the spotlight, many are sweating bullets. They fear they might end up broke just trying to defend themselves. Just a day after he took office, he started making moves against former intelligence officers who he thinks went against him during the last election.
John Bolton, who used to be Trump’s national security adviser, said anyone who disagrees with Trump should be on high alert. He’s not alone in feeling this way. A bunch of former officials are sharing their worries about what Trump might do next.
Before Trump was sworn in, Biden even issued pardons for some frequent targets of Trump, like Dr. Fauci and General Milley. It’s like a preemptive strike against potential fallout!
Some of these officials are even worried about being on a list made by Kash Patel, Trump’s pick for FBI director. Patel has been vocal about going after what he calls “government gangsters.” It’s a tense time for those who’ve been in Trump’s crosshairs.
Many of them spoke anonymously, not wanting to draw more attention. They’re scared of being publicly called out or facing online harassment. The thought of being investigated or facing legal troubles is weighing heavily on their minds.
Trump has always had a thing for revenge. He’s made it clear that he’s not one to forget a slight. In his inaugural speech, he claimed he wanted to be a unifier, but then he quickly signed orders that seemed to settle scores.
It’s wild how much power the federal government has. It can audit, investigate, and even control things like passport renewals. If someone in power wants to make life difficult for you, they can really do it.
Experts like Barton Gellman have pointed out that if a president doesn’t care about the rules, they can make life pretty tough for their opponents. He believes public opinion might be the only thing that could hold Trump back from going too far.
Interestingly, a recent poll showed that a lot of Americans don’t support the idea of Trump going after his political enemies. That’s a pretty strong message!
On the flip side, lawyers and advocacy groups are stepping up to help those who might be targeted. They’re raising funds and organizing support for current and former federal employees who could be in trouble. It’s a tough situation, but they’re trying to be ready for whatever comes next.
