What If Donald Trump Wins? Concerns Grow Among Experts and Former Officials Over His Threats of Retaliation

Setting the stage for potential political battles, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has pledged to pursue legal action against his political rivals, election workers, and left-wing Americans if he regains the White House.

Trump vowed to launch investigations into individuals he claims, without evidence, may attempt to rig the Nov. 5 election in favor of his Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris.

Despite multiple court rulings and dismissals from state governments and members of his administration, Trump continues to suggest that he was the victim of widespread fraud in the 2020 presidential election. When asked earlier this month whether he anticipated chaos on Election Day, Trump instead highlighted what he described as a more pressing internal threat. 

"We have some sick people, radical left lunatics," he said, implying that any disorder could be swiftly managed by the National Guard or, if necessary, the military.

Critics have reacted strongly to Trump's statements, suggesting they indicate he might view the military as a tool to target adversaries if he returns to power. 

In addition, Trump has called for investigations into Harris, President Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama, and Liz Cheney, the former U.S. representative who became one of the most prominent Republicans to break with Trump. 

During a September rally, he accused Harris of being responsible for what he called the "biggest crime story of our time," referring to illegal border crossings. "She should be impeached and prosecuted for her actions," Trump declared. 

Trump's warning to election workers about severe legal repercussions for any alleged misconduct related to the Nov. 5 election has drawn sharp criticism. "Be aware that this legal exposure includes lawyers, political operatives, donors, illegal voters, and corrupt election officials," he stated on Truth Social. "Those involved in dishonest practices will be identified, apprehended, and prosecuted at unprecedented levels in our country," he added. 

These remarks, along with Trump's refusal to commit to accepting the election results if he loses, have led analysts to assert that he poses unique dangers to the U.S. Constitution. 

Alarm bells rang louder this month as Trump’s former chief of staff and four-star Marine general John Kelly criticized him in The Atlantic, labeling him unfit to govern. Kelly's stark critique echoed Trump’s troubling statement: “I need to have the kind of generals that Hitler had,” raising fresh fears about a potential second Trump term. 

Veterans from the Justice Department are sounding the alarm over Trump’s autocratic-style threats to exact revenge on adversaries from both parties if he defeats Kamala Harris. 

“For years, Donald Trump has promised to wield government as a weapon against his enemies. It is shocking, yet not surprising, that he has now embraced the rhetoric of Joseph McCarthy, branding his likely targets as ‘the enemy from within,’” said Donald Ayer, a former deputy attorney general under President George H.W. Bush.