Trump orders DOJ to probe Democrats over alleged threats
The President cites intimidation tactics against Republicans while referencing a specific speech by Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin.
By Bianca Shevchenko ·
President Donald Trump is ordering the Department of Justice to investigate Democratic leaders over what he characterizes as threats against Republican officials and supporters. The directive was issued on Saturday via a social media post, where Trump accused Democrats of using impeachment and other punishments as tools of coercion without sufficient cause. He described the actions as extortion at the highest level and demanded an immediate criminal inquiry.
The President specifically targeted Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan in his accusation. Trump claimed Slotkin is planning to go after young people who believe in Republican values. This statement appears to reference remarks Slotkin made during a speech at the University of Chicago on October 13. She told the audience she wanted young graduates to hesitate before taking jobs in the Trump administration. Her goal, she said, was to send a deterrence message that participation might create problems they do not want.
The dispute over Slotkin’s comments is connected to earlier tensions regarding a video from November 2025. In that clip, Slotkin and other Democratic leaders urged the military to refuse illegal orders after airstrikes targeted boats in the Caribbean. Trump labeled the video an act of treason on November 20, stating that an example must be set. Following that remark, the FBI contacted several lawmakers, including Slotkin, within days.
In February, Slotkin declined to sit for a Justice Department interview regarding the video. She explained that the intimidation was the point and that she was not going to go along with that pressure. A federal grand jury later reviewed the case and decided not to indict the participants in the video. Now, the administration is turning its attention to alleged threats made by Democrats against Republicans.
Trump wrote that threatening letters have been sent to many innocent people by Democratic political leaders. He urged Republicans to get smart quickly in response to these communications. The White House and Slotkin did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the new probe or the specific allegations of criminal conduct.
The investigation comes without the President identifying specific communications or providing evidence of criminal conduct beyond his social media post. The move signals a shift in focus toward legal intimidation tactics allegedly employed by the opposition party. It follows a period of heightened tension between the two sides over the interpretation of executive power and military orders.
