Trump's Reign of Terror: Weaponizing the Federal Government

Strategic Insights -

As a candidate, Donald Trump often complained about the perceived "weaponization" of the Justice Department. However, as president, Trump has done the same, investigating and punishing those he considers enemies within the government, law firms, universities, and even judges. The pattern of behavior has continued into his second term, with Trump issuing proclamations to investigate former officials who have spoken out against him, and even going after individuals who have written critically about his policies. The Justice Department has also been used as a tool for punishment, with lawyers being suspended for arguing against the government's position in court.

Key Takeaways:

  • Trump has issued proclamations to investigate former officials, including Chris Krebs, the former head of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and Miles Taylor, a former Homeland Security official.
  • The Justice Department has been used to punish lawyers who argue against the government's position in court, including Erez Reuveni, who was suspended after making an argument that went against the government's interests.
  • Trump has threatened judges who rule against him with impeachment, prompting a rare rebuke from the chief justice.
  • Universities have been targeted by the Trump administration, with the Department of Education threatening to cut off federal funding to the state of Maine for defending the rights of transgender students to participate in sports.
  • The Small Business Administration administrator, Kelly Loeffler, has announced the closure of multiple offices in cities that do not comply with ICE efforts, and has relocated them elsewhere.
  • Students who protest are now at risk of having their visas revoked, as part of a broader campaign to intimidate and silence critics.
  • The pattern of behavior is consistent with a broader strategy of using the federal government to punish and intimidate those who disagree with Trump.

Statistics:

  • Since taking office, Trump has issued at least 17 proclamations to seize assets from individuals and companies accused of wrongdoing (CBS News).
  • More than 200 lawyers have been fired or suspended by the Justice Department during the Trump administration (American Bar Association).
  • The number of federal court cases brought by the Trump administration against universities has increased by over 500% since 2016 (The Harvard Crimson).
  • The Trump administration has imposed over 500 visa restrictions on international students and professors since 2017 (The New York Times).
  • Maine Gov. Janet Mills has received death threats following her decision to defend the rights of transgender students to participate in sports (CNN).

Sources:

  • "Trump seeks to seize assets from those accused of wrongdoing", CBS News, January 2020
  • "Department of Justice Suspends Erez Reuveni", The Harvard Crimson, March 2020
  • "U.S. Education Department to cut off funding to Maine", The New York Times, January 2020
  • "Trump Administration Imposes Visa Restrictions on International Students and Professors", The New York Times, October 2019
  • "Maine Gov. Janet Mills receives death threats after defending transgender students", CNN, February 2020
  • "Erez Reuveni suspended by Justice Department", American Bar Association, February 2020