These people really do have Trump derangement syndrome.
Prominent figures among Democrats and liberal media personalities have expressed deep concerns about potential threats if former President Trump wins the upcoming election. Concerns range from fears of imprisonment to the establishment of “massive camps.”
In a June interview with CNN’s Oliver Darcy, MSNBC host Rachel Maddow raised alarms about the possible ramifications, suggesting that Trump’s plans for large-scale camps might not be limited to migrants. “I’m worried about myself, but it’s about all of us,” Maddow emphasized. She pointed to Trump’s public statements where he has hinted at taking revenge on his political opponents, sometimes claiming such actions could be “justified.” However, Trump has also mentioned that his ultimate revenge might be simply achieving success.
Maddow elaborated on her fears for the country, stating that Trump openly talks about creating camps to detain millions and targeting what he deems “enemies from within” in very harsh terms. Trump has described his targets, including communists, Marxists, fascists, and radical leftists, using language that dehumanizes them as “vermin.”
Former CNN correspondent Brian Stelter shared similar worries during an interview on his old network. Although he admitted that the idea of jail time was an extreme scenario, he noted other potential government pressures such as IRS audits and interference with media companies. Stelter pointed out that Maddow is not alone in her concerns; other media members are also apprehensive about possible punitive measures against the press.
“The View” co-host Joy Behar echoed Maddow’s concerns in a recent interview, agreeing that Trump could use mechanisms like the IRS or sponsors to potentially take down media personalities. Maddow reiterated that her primary concern is not just for herself but for the broader implications of someone seeking power to target other Americans, describing it as a dangerous system for everyone.
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., voiced her own fears on Kara Swisher’s podcast, suggesting that Trump could imprison her if he wins. She referenced Trump’s previous campaign chant “lock her up” as evidence of his vindictive mindset and expressed belief in his threats against journalists and others.
Other Democrats, particularly those involved in the January 6 committee, also fear potential arrest if Trump is elected. Representative Adam Schiff, D-Calif., told CBS News in April that he has had serious discussions with his wife about their future if the worst happens, acknowledging the need to consider his personal safety. Similarly, Representative Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., indicated he takes the threats seriously and jokingly mentioned that his family would visit him in jail if necessary.
In a recent interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, Trump dismissed the idea of retribution against his critics, although he claimed he would have the right to pursue them due to perceived criminality involving Joe Biden and his family.
MSNBC host Nicolle Wallace suggested that if Trump wins, there might not even be a White House Correspondents’ Dinner or a free press next year, emphasizing the broader threat to democracy and rule of law posed by a candidate with outward disdain for these freedoms. President Biden echoed these sentiments during the dinner, urging journalists to recognize the stakes of the upcoming election and condemning Trump’s attacks on democracy.
The co-hosts of “The View” also speculated on the potential consequences of a Trump victory, discussing who might be targeted, including journalists and former allies like Mike Pence and John Kelly. Behar provocatively challenged Trump, daring him to attempt action against their show.
These collective anxieties underscore the pervasive fear among prominent Democrats and media figures about the potential repercussions of another Trump presidency, reflecting a broader concern for the future of democratic norms and freedoms in the United States.