Multiple current and former senior Justice Department and FBI officials are preparing for potential criminal investigations by the Trump administration, with concerns heightened by the appointment of former Rep. Matt Gaetz, a staunch ally of Trump who was recently investigated by the FBI, to lead the department. These officials are reaching out to lawyers in anticipation of being targeted by Trump loyalists, particularly in Congress.
Career employees of the FBI are particularly vulnerable due to their reliance on pensions after 20 years of service and lack of other employment options. The fear of potentially baseless prosecutions and protracted legal battles has left many officials anxious about their future.
Legal experts believe Trump’s goal in investigating his investigators is to intimidate anyone who dares to probe his conduct, neutralizing sources of power that may impede him. Trump’s supporters argue that criminal investigations against him have been politically motivated, and efforts are being made to potentially prosecute DOJ and FBI officials for their role in investigating Trump.
Despite the concerns raised by Trump and his allies, DOJ and FBI officials insist that the investigations into Trump were carried out properly and no criminal charges can be brought against them. The appointment of Gaetz and the potential for additional investigations signal a continued effort by Trump to exact revenge on the department, with legal battles and heavy financial burdens looming for those involved.
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