Donald Trump has made public statements and engaged in actions directed at various political figures and critics.
Individuals Cited
Figures who have been publicly targeted or criticized by Donald Trump include:
- James Comey
- Letitia James
- John Bolton
- Adam Schiff
- Mark Kelly
- Kamala Harris
Statements Regarding Political Opposition
Trump has referred to Democrats as "the enemy from within," stating they pose a greater danger than US adversaries such as Russia and China.
Expert Analysis on Opposition Tactics
Lucan Way, a Professor of Democracy at the University of Toronto, has commented on leaders' interactions with opposition. Way states that a leader's attacks on opposition can be an indicator of a country moving towards authoritarianism.
Way further elaborated on the constraints within the U.S. justice system compared to those in countries with weaker judicial frameworks. He noted that while in some countries, opposition members can be jailed or financially ruined, the robust rule of law in the United States typically prevents such arbitrary actions.
However, Way suggests that other methods are employed to increase the perceived cost of opposition. These methods include:
- Investigations
- Lawsuits
- Audits
- Personal attacks
According to Way, these actions can result in opponents becoming more hesitant to engage in behaviors perceived as undesirable by Trump, which he describes as a "broader silencing effect."