Through ICE arrests, criminal investigations, firings and executive orders, the president has launched a sweeping campaign of retribution. One judge called his actions "a shocking abuse of power."
In the first 100 days of his potential second term, former President Donald Trump has vowed to enact a series of aggressive policies and actions aimed at retribution against his political adversaries, according to a report by NPR on April 29, 2025. Trump's plans include targeting the Justice Department and FBI to pursue investigations against political opponents, implementing strict immigration policies such as mass deportations and ending birthright citizenship, and reversing climate policies to boost fossil fuel production. Additionally, Trump has promised to undo many of the current administration's initiatives, including those related to healthcare and education, while also threatening to use the military domestically to quell protests and enforce his policies. These actions, if carried out, would represent a significant shift towards authoritarian governance and could lead to widespread domestic and international repercussions.