How Trump Plans to Destroy Our Legal System

Weaponization of the Justice Department

Trump has repeatedly threatened to use the Department of Justice to target his political opponents if re-elected1. This includes:

Appointing a special prosecutor to investigate Joe Biden
Prosecuting those he falsely claims "stole" the 2020 election
Pursuing legal action against lawyers, donors, and others he deems adversaries

These actions would represent a major departure from the DOJ's mission of independence and impartiality1.

Expansion of Executive Power

A second Trump administration may seek to radically expand presidential authority and remove checks on executive power2. This could involve:

Invoking the Insurrection Act to deploy military forces domestically
Forcing media companies to carry pro-conservative content
Using federal agencies to surveil and target political opponents

Attacks on Free Speech and Protest

Trump has indicated he would crack down on forms of dissent and free expression2:

Threatening to deport student protesters who aren't citizens
Praising violent responses to campus protests
Targeting journalists and media outlets critical of his administration

Undermining Judicial Independence

Trump's rhetoric suggests he would attempt to delegitimize and politicize the judicial system3:

Continuing to attack judges who rule against him
Potentially ignoring unfavorable court rulings
Appointing loyalist judges to federal courts

Claiming Immunity from Prosecution

Trump has repeatedly argued that presidents should have absolute immunity from criminal prosecution for actions taken while in office4. This view, if accepted, would place the president above the law.

By pursuing these actions, a second Trump presidency could severely erode democratic norms, checks and balances, and the fundamental principle that no one is above the law in the United States. Legal experts and former officials warn this would push the country toward more authoritarian governance1 2.