"Immediate Investigation of Fake News... No Appointment of Non-Trump Supporters"
Some in the Republican Party Encourage Retaliation... Others Say "Focus on Policy"
The Attorney General Appointment Will Reflect Future Direction
As former President Donald Trump successfully returns to the White House after four years, the New York Times (NYT) reported on the 10th (local time) that many of Trump's close aides and political opponents expect retaliation. Although some predict that Trump will focus on policy issues given his higher approval ratings compared to 2016 and the resolution of judicial risks, the prevailing view is that he will launch extensive retaliation against his adversaries, as conflicts have been ongoing.
In his victory speech, Trump said, "It is time to leave behind the division of the past four years and unite." However, shortly after, on his social media platform Truth Social, he dismissed rumors about the sale of Trump Media & Technology Group shares as "fake, false, and illegal," warning, "I will immediately request an investigation by the authorities."
The NYT noted that it is unclear whether this will be put into action, but Trump focused most of his campaign on retaliation, and both his close aides and opponents expect revenge upon his victory.
Trump also stated on Truth Social the day before that he would not appoint key first-term administration figures who served as focal points for the non-Trump faction during the presidential primary, such as former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley and former Secretary Mike Pompeo.
Gwen Blair, Trump's biographer, said, "Of course, there will be retaliation," adding, "The only question is how extensive the retaliation will be and how many will be targeted." She predicted, "There will be at least several noisy and large-scale congressional investigations, special prosecutors, and actual indictments. Additionally, there will be quieter forms of retaliation such as tax audits, non-renewal or cancellation of grants, programs, and loans, as well as dismissals or non-hiring."
Within the Republican Party, opinions are divided. Aggressive staff and close aides encourage attacks on opponents, believing that judicial attacks against Trump have crossed the line and that counterattacks are justified. On the other hand, some major donors and advisors argue that the focus should be on policy agendas such as tax cuts, tariffs, and immigration, viewing retaliation as unproductive.
Republican Congressman Byron Donalds said on Fox News that day, "There is no list of opponents," adding, "(Trump) is focused on the American people." Vivek Ramaswamy, who competed in the Republican presidential primary, also stated on ABC that day, "Trump is interested in national unity. That is Trump's top priority."
However, a close aide to Trump told the NYT that he is the type of person who believes in "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth." Trump is reportedly angry about what happened to him after his 2020 election loss. Earlier, reports emerged that a "blacklist" of individuals who should not be appointed in the next administration, led by Trump's eldest son Donald Trump Jr., was being compiled during the election process.
The NYT predicts that whether Trump retaliates will depend on the future appointment of the Attorney General. For example, if Matthew Whitaker, who briefly served as acting Attorney General during Trump's first term, is appointed, it would signal extensive retaliation. Conversely, if someone like Jay Clayton, who served as SEC Chairman in the first term, is appointed, it would indicate a focus on policy issues such as immigration and the economy rather than political retaliation.
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