Donald Trump took to his social media platform on Wednesday to share several posts advocating for the trial or imprisonment of House lawmakers involved in the investigation of the U.S. Capitol attack, special counsel Jack Smith, and others. These posts also included images referencing the QAnon conspiracy theory. This activity followed a new indictment filed against Trump by Smith related to his attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. The indictment, though maintaining the same criminal charges, has been narrowed down in light of a recent Supreme Court ruling granting extensive immunity to former presidents.
Among the shared posts was a manipulated image depicting President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton wearing prison jumpsuits, accompanied by a crude reference involving Harris and Clinton. Another post hinted at trying former President Barack Obama in a military court. Trump’s online behavior aligns with his desire for retribution against adversaries if he secures a second term in office. Despite advisers urging him to focus on policy matters like the economy and border control, Trump has persisted in making personal attacks that might divert attention from his campaign message.
Trump’s campaign did not provide a response to inquiries regarding the content shared on Truth Social, his social media network tailored to his staunchest supporters. His posts also touched on the indictment against him and his grievances regarding a gag order in a New York criminal case. In addition to his personal messages, Trump reshared more than a dozen posts from other users on his platform, advocating for the prosecution of Smith and the imprisonment of lawmakers involved in investigating the Capitol attack.
One notable post featured Smith depicted with devil horns and red eyes. A spokesperson for Smith declined to comment, while a representative for the Harris campaign criticized Trump’s offerings to the nation as centered on prosecuting political adversaries, promoting harmful policies through conspiracy theories, and fostering division among Americans. Trump’s posts incorporated QAnon-related phrases, signaling his alignment with the conspiracy theory that portrays him as combatting a supposed deep state plot.
The former president’s association with QAnon supporters is part of a wider embrace of the far-right fringe within his political base. Furthermore, Trump’s support for individuals detained for their involvement in the Capitol attack includes his listing as an invited speaker at the upcoming J6 Awards Gala fundraiser. The event aims to honor defendants charged in the insurrection and has ties to a song titled ‘Justice for All,’ which Trump has played at some of his rallies. Despite being confirmed as a guest speaker initially, Trump’s campaign later announced his absence from the event. Discussions with additional event speakers, such as Rudy Giuliani and Anthony Raimondi, are ongoing. Trump has expressed intentions to pardon several convicted individuals and previously engaged with their families in various support activities.
