Trump accuses Democrats of threatening GOP donors, demands DOJ prosecutions

• Trump accused Democrats of making “unprecedented” and “totally illegal” threats against Republican donors and party members.
• He urged Republicans to report the alleged threats immediately to the Department of Justice or send complaints directly to him.
• Trump said those responsible should “go to jail,” but did not identify the individuals involved or provide evidence supporting his allegations.

US President Donald Trump accused Democrats of intimidating Republican donors and party members, demanding that they face criminal prosecution as tensions escalate following the Democrats’ victories in the midterm elections.

In a post on Truth Social on Saturday, Trump described the alleged threats as “absolutely unprecedented” and “totally illegal,” urging Republicans to report them immediately to the Department of Justice (DOJ) or send complaints directly to him.

“These SLEAZEBAGS should go to jail for what they are doing,” Trump wrote, without identifying the individuals allegedly targeted or providing details of the threats.

The remarks followed an earlier post in which Trump accused Democratic lawmakers of threatening members of his administration, including Attorney General Todd Blanche, with impeachment and other forms of punishment. He also alleged that Democratic leaders had sent threatening letters to Republican donors, warning of possible imprisonment and other consequences.

Trump characterized the alleged actions as “extortion” and “weaponization and lawfare,” and said he was ordering the DOJ to investigate what he called a criminal act. 

The accusations come after Democrats secured control of both chambers of Congress in the Nov. 3 midterm elections, ending the Republicans’ hold over the legislative branch. The incoming Democratic majorities are expected to take power in January, giving the party greater authority to investigate the Trump administration, hold congressional hearings and issue subpoenas for documents and testimony. 

Democratic lawmakers have signalled plans to investigate several aspects of the administration, including Trump's financial dealings, donations from technology companies toward a proposed White House ballroom, immigration enforcement and the conduct of senior administration officials.

Trump has also singled out Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, accusing her of targeting young people who support Republican values. Slotkin has previously advocated a deterrence message aimed at people considering joining the Trump administration, while Republicans have accused her of attempting to intimidate potential government recruits. 

The president's latest remarks appear to be part of a broader effort to push back against the incoming Democratic congressional majority and its promised investigations. He called on the Republican-controlled Senate to act, warning that it must stop being pressured into decisions that could lead to further Republican electoral losses.

Trump also urged the House of Representatives and the Justice Department to intervene, although he did not specify what measures he expected them to take.

The Justice Department had not immediately commented on the allegations, according to Reuters.