President Trump’s campaign of retribution against his enemies may set a precedent for future administrations to target those who opposed them, potentially destabilizing the US democracy. The F.B.I.’s indictment of former Director James Comey has sent fear through the intelligence community, but another person who should be concerned is Kash Patel, the current F.B.I. director.
A new standard for presidential power has been established by Trump, allowing future administrations to abuse their authority and silence opponents. This precedent could lead to a cycle of retaliation, where each new administration targets the last one, characteristic of authoritarian countries rather than developed democracies.
Conservatives warn that this approach is shortsighted and dangerous. Sarah Matthews, a former White House press secretary, says Trump’s actions will come back to haunt his allies, who may face similar treatment in the future. Similarly, Senator Ted Cruz and Tucker Carlson express concerns about the threat of silence and ruthless prosecution by Democratic administrations.
The concern extends beyond Trump’s retribution campaign, as he has asserted unprecedented presidential power that could accrue to his successors. Experts worry that future presidents will abuse these powers, just as Trump has done. Brendan Nyhan, a government professor, cautions that Republicans should not trust any administration with such extraordinary powers.
While some may speculate about the potential for Democrats to target Trump officials in 2028, Abigail Jackson says Democrats have no leg to stand on if they follow the same playbook against their opponents. However, others argue that Trump has set a precedent that justifies his own actions and may not be used by future administrations as readily.
Trump’s retribution campaign raises concerns about governance revolving around personal grievances and vendettas rather than checks and balances on the executive branch. Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a history professor, notes that authoritarian leaders exploit this narrative to silence opponents. The F.B.I.’s investigations of Trump officials may be more focused on disinformation and extremism rather than silencing comedians who offend him or his allies.
Ultimately, some conservatives fear that Trump’s actions will put them up as targets in future administrations. Kash Patel’s own record raises questions about whether his successor will see his actions as justified. The cycle of retribution raised by Trump may lead to a breakdown in governance and undermine US democracy.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/28/us/politics/trump-comey-retribution-precedent.html