"Eight months into his second term, President Donald Trump's long-standing pledge to take on those he perceives as his political enemies has prompted debates over free speech, media censorship and political prosecutions. From late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel's suspension to Pentagon restrictions on reporters and an apparent public appeal to Attorney General Pam Bondi to pursue legal cases against his adversaries, Trump has escalated moves to consolidate power in his second administration and root out those who have spoken out against him."
"In a post on social media this weekend addressed to Bondi, Trump said "nothing is being done" on investigations into some of his foes. "We can't delay any longer, it's killing our reputation and credibility," he said. Noting that he was impeached and criminally charged, "JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!" Criticizing investigations into Trump's dealings under Democratic President Joe Biden's Justice Department, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., said Sunday that "it is not right for the Trump administration to do the same thing.""
"Trump has ratcheted up his discussion of pursuing legal cases against some of his political opponents, part of a vow for retribution that has been a theme of his return to the White House. He publicly pressed Bondi this weekend to move forward with such investigations. Trump posted somewhat of an open letter on social media Saturday to his top prosecutor to advance such inquiries, including a mortgage fraud probe into New York Attorney General Letitia James and a possible threat case against former FBI Director James Comey. He posted that he had "reviewed over 30 statements and posts" that he characterized as criticizing his administration for a lack of action on investigations. "We have to act fast - one way or the other," Trump told reporters later that night at the White House. "They're guilt"
Eight months into his second term, President Donald Trump increased efforts to confront perceived political enemies, prompting debates over free speech, media censorship and political prosecutions. Actions cited include late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel's suspension, Pentagon restrictions on reporters, and public appeals to Attorney General Pam Bondi to pursue legal cases against adversaries. Trump posted on social media demanding action on investigations, saying delays harmed reputation and urging that "justice must be served." Trump pressed Bondi to pursue probes including a mortgage fraud inquiry into New York Attorney General Letitia James and a potential threat case involving former FBI Director James Comey.
#political-prosecutions #media-censorship #retaliation-against-critics #attorney-general-investigations
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