In the wake of their roles on the House January 6th select committee, Democratic lawmakers are voicing deep concerns over potential legal reprisals should former President Donald Trump win reelection. These fears stem from comments Trump has made, which suggest a readiness to use the powers of the presidency against his political adversaries.
According to a report by CBS News, several Democrats who played prominent roles in the investigation into the Capitol riots believe they could become targets for prosecution by a Justice Department under a second Trump administration. This apprehension has led to serious discussions with family members about the personal implications of Trump’s return to power.
Trump’s Threats Stir Anxiety
The anxiety among committee members was intensified by Trump’s direct threats, especially his remarks on March 18th when he explicitly called for the imprisonment of the committee members, including former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY). On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump declared, “She should go to Jail along with the rest of the Unselect Committee!”
This alarming declaration has had a tangible impact on the lives of those involved in the committee. Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA) shared with CBS News his personal concerns, saying, “My wife and I have had conversations about what life would look like if the worst happened.” Schiff emphasized the unavoidable necessity of considering personal safety and the potential for legal jeopardy.
Furthermore, Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-CA) humorously remarked on the proximity of the D.C. jail to Capitol Hill but soberly acknowledged his family’s resolve to support him, regardless of circumstances. Aguilar’s experience on the committee has left him wary of the consequences of Trump’s rhetoric.
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Taking Trump at His Word
Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), another committee member, expressed a similar sentiment, indicating that Trump’s statements are often a clear indication of his intentions. “One of the things that I observed during our Jan. 6 committee work was that when Trump says something, he intends to do it,” Lofgren stated, emphasizing the seriousness with which Trump’s threats should be taken.
These concerns are not limited to lawmakers. Police witnesses, like former Washington, D.C. police officer Michael Fanone, who testified about their experiences during the Capitol riot, also fear retaliation. Fanone, reflecting on Trump’s potential actions, warned, “He’s going to weaponize the Department of Justice…and use it to go after people like myself. He’s telling us exactly what he plans on doing.”
