Trump orders Justice Department to probe Democrats over alleged threats

President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he is ordering the Justice Department to investigate Democratic leaders over what he called threats directed at Republican officials, donors, and supporters. In a post on Truth Social, Trump did not identify any specific communications or provide evidence of criminal acts, but described the alleged actions as high-level extortion. He specifically singled out Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, claiming she plans to target young people who hold Republican values. Trump appeared to reference an October 13 speech by Slotkin at the University of Chicago where she discussed sending a deterrence message to graduates considering work in the Trump administration. Slotkin previously stated that she, her family, and her staff faced physical and legal intimidation following a November 2025 video. In that video, Slotkin and other Democratic leaders urged the U.S. military to refuse illegal orders after airstrikes targeted boats in the Caribbean. Trump called that video treason on November 20 and stated that an example must be set. The FBI contacted lawmakers days later, and the Justice Department requested an interview with Slotkin in February, which she declined, stating she would not go along with intimidation. A federal grand jury subsequently declined to indict the participants of the video. Trump now claims that Democratic political leaders have sent threatening letters to innocent people and urged Republicans to respond quickly. Neither the White House nor Senator Slotkin immediately responded to requests for comment regarding the latest statements.

Context

Investigations and public disputes between political figures often involve federal law enforcement agencies like the Justice Department and the FBI when allegations touch upon official conduct or threats. These political tensions highlight the ongoing friction between lawmakers from opposing parties in the United States over speech, oversight, and government actions.