Trump's vengeance machine targets critics and ignites fear

Trump's vengeance machine is posing an even greater threat than before.

The Biden administration provided security protection for Trump's former secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, former top aide, Brian Hook, and former national security advisor, John Bolton. This was due to credible intelligence indicating that all three were at risk of being killed by Iranian agents, especially following their involvement in the drone strike that eliminated powerful Iranian general Qassem Suleimani in early 2020.

The outgoing Biden administration had informed the incoming Trump administration that threats against these individuals continued. Bolton remarked to The New York Times, "As recently as the end of last week, two separate government representatives, two separate government agencies called. They said our current assessment is that the threat level remains the same."

However, on Tuesday, with no explanation, Trump rescinded their security protection, leaving them vulnerable to potential attacks from Iranian operatives in America.

What prompted this cruel treatment from Trump? In his view, they had committed the sin of prioritising loyalty to America over him.

Pompeo had cautioned Republicans at the Conservative Political Action Conference in 2023 against relying on "celebrity leaders" with "fragile egos". Hook, part of the traditional Republican foreign-policy establishment, was dismissed by Trump on Monday. Meanwhile, Bolton has become a vocal critic of Trump.

If anyone thinks Trump's FBI director nominee, Kash Patel, will ensure their safety, they should reconsider. All three have found themselves on Patel's enemies list, which essentially coincides with Trump's own enemies list.

This illustrates how the Trump vengeance machine operates. Trump, akin to a mob boss, manages to keep his hands clean while delegating the dirty work to others.

Who else might be relegated to executing Trump's orders?

Trump has pardoned individuals who assaulted the US Capitol on his behalf during the events of 6 January 2021. Trump contends these individuals were not violent and did not possess weapons, but the world witnessed the chaos they created; nearly 175 were documented using dangerous or lethal weapons, according to prosecutors.

These rioters displayed Nazi salutes, indicated intentions to incite a civil war, threatened "there will be blood", and called for the lynching of Democratic lawmakers.

They assailed police officers with flag poles, bear spray, and a metal whip. They violently choked officers, with some instances leading to life-threatening injuries. A video captures their assault on Officer Michael Fanone, who suffered a heart attack and traumatic brain injury during the attack, subsequently facing death threats following his testimony in Congress.

Now, thanks to Trump, these aggressors are back on the streets. Does anyone genuinely believe they will live peacefully from here on?

Some officers, particularly those who testified in the January 6 cases, have expressed concerns for their safety now that the insurrectionists have been released.

"I JUST GOT THE NEWS FROM MY LAWYER... I GOT A PARDON BABY! THANK YOU PRESIDENT TRUMP!!!" Jacob Chansley, dubbed the QAnon shaman, exclaimed in a post. "NOW I AM GONNA BUY SOME MOTHA FU*KIN GUNS!!! I LOVE THIS COUNTRY!!! GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!"

Jackson Reffitt, who testified against his father Guy for participating in the January 6 riot, expressed fear for his life now that his father is free.

When Stewart Rhodes, leader of the Oath Keepers, was sentenced to 18 years for his role in the insurrection, the judge remarked: "You are smart, you are charismatic and compelling and frankly that makes you dangerous. The moment you are released, whenever that may be, you will be ready to take up arms against your government." Presumably, this includes arms against Trump's adversaries.

How many extremists does it take to physically assault someone labelled an enemy by Trump? Just refer to Paul Pelosi.

Trump does not personally inflict violence; instead, he disparages anyone who crosses him, like Nancy Pelosi, understanding this will provoke threats or even violence from his followers.

Legal authorities trying to hold him accountable can attest to the consequences of his words.

It matters not that Trump's statements about them are fabrications. In 2018, he tweeted a misleading video of Ilhan Omar, which falsely suggested she was celebrating 9/11. This resulted in her receiving numerous death threats.

Trump orchestrates his supporters through subtle hints. "You had some very fine people on both sides," he states, reassuring violent extremists where his loyalties reside.

"Stand back and stand by," he instructs, signalling his followers, and announces: "Big protest in DC on January 6th. Be there, will be wild!"

His associate Elon Musk may deny his salute's implications, yet the message resonates with neo-Nazis.

Trump's vengeance machine tells a tale not solely of retaliation; it's a strategy designed to intimidate his critics – to induce hesitation before they voice their concerns and to stifle public discourse about his actions.

Consider this a warning. Take precautions. And wherever possible, safeguard those targeted by Trump.