WASHINGTON – Concerns extend beyond legal charges for those who have opposed President Donald Trump; there are more understated repercussions that can have significant impacts on individuals’ lives. They fear facing challenges like passport renewals, IRS audits, and the loss of federal pensions.
For many individuals who have found themselves at odds with Trump, his recent return to the presidency has raised worries. Some believe they may face financial ruin in their attempts to clear their reputations.
Shortly after being sworn into office, Trump set the tone by revoking security clearances from numerous former intelligence officials who he suspects favored Joe Biden during the 2020 election or have since turned against him. The loss of these clearances can be detrimental for ex-officials working with defense contractors, as they need access to classified information.
“Anyone who disagrees with Trump needs to be cautious of retaliation,” stated John Bolton, former national security adviser and now a critic of the former president. “There are many who are understandably worried.” Bolton was one of several ex-officials who expressed growing concerns to various outlets regarding Trump’s capacity for vengeance. The day before Trump took office, outgoing President Biden issued preemptive pardons for frequent Trump targets, including Dr. Anthony Fauci and Gen. Mark Milley, along with congressional members involved in the investigations surrounding the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots.
Biden also granted pardons to his family members, highlighting that “baseless and politically motivated investigations disrupt the lives and security of affected individuals and their families.” Many of those former officials were featured in a list of “deep state” individuals compiled by Kash Patel, who was appointed by Trump to lead the FBI. Patel has indicated intentions to challenge what he terms “government gangsters.”
Most of the people interviewed shared their apprehensions under the condition of anonymity, wishing to avoid drawing any unnecessary attention. Their fears include the possibility of being targeted in a presidential social media post or becoming victims of online harassment. They also dread the prospect of facing criminal investigations related to actions taken during their time in government service, although few worry about actual convictions. Instead, they are primarily concerned about accumulating substantial legal fees from investigations, defamation cases, or congressional scrutiny.
Revenge has frequently emerged as a theme in Trump’s rhetoric since leaving office in 2021. At a rally in 2023, he remarked, “For those wronged and betrayed, I am your retribution.” During his inaugural address, Trump noted his aspiration to leave a legacy of peace and unity, signing an executive order to address the “weaponization” of the federal government during the Biden administration. He accused the prior administration of taking measures aimed more at causing political pain than achieving real justice.
However, shortly after assuming office, he signed orders that seemed to settle scores, including revoking security clearances for 50 former intelligence officials. He also removed Bolton’s Secret Service protection, despite threats against the latter’s life from Iran. A White House representative did not respond to inquiries regarding these actions.
The federal government wields immense power, being the largest buyer globally and capable of audits, investigations, and prosecutions. It can influence everything from television broadcast licenses to passport renewals, holding the potential to both restrict citizens through no-fly lists or facilitate their movements through TSA checkpoints.
Historically, the functions of the federal government have remained largely nonpartisan, but a president with vengeful motives could disrupt the lives of everyday citizens significantly. Barton Gellman, a senior adviser at the Brennan Center for Justice, stated, “With control over the executive branch and indifference to legal precedents, there are many actions possible that would be difficult to contest.” He previously facilitated simulations examining how the U.S. would respond to an authoritarian president issuing unlawful directives.
The simulations included a diverse group, featuring former governors, military veterans, and civil leaders, tasked with responding to a president who might use government power to retaliate against political opponents. Findings indicated that, in many scenarios, government institutions would ultimately succumb to the president’s commands, leaving public opinion potentially as the only real check on such abuses of power.
A recent polling effort revealed that the vast majority of Americans—73%—oppose Trump pursuing prosecutions against his political adversaries. This includes 49% who firmly oppose such actions.
In light of these concerns, lawyers and advocacy groups are mobilizing to support current and former federal employees who might be targeted. Norm Eisen, an experienced attorney and former U.S. ambassador, is collaborating with colleagues at the State Democracy Defenders Fund to assist those under threat. Mark Zaid, a Washington attorney representing some individuals whose security clearances were revoked this week, is working to organize a network of lawyers, accountants, and mental health professionals who can offer services free of charge. “There’s not much that can be done prior,” Zaid remarked, “beyond preparing for potential actions.”