Right-wing media outlets and pundits responded to special counsel Jack Smith’s indictment of former President Donald Trump for attempting to overturn the 2020 election by demanding revenge and retribution.
On August 1, Smith charged Trump with four criminal counts relating to the former president’s alleged sprawling conspiracy to remain in office despite losing the election. Right-wing media framed the investigation as politically motivated and argued that Trump would be justified in weaponizing federal law enforcement against his political opponents if he is reelected in 2024.
The indictment is Trump’s third in recent months. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg charged Trump with 34 felony counts related to alleged hush money he paid to porn actress Stormy Daniels. Smith’s office also charged Trump with 37 felony counts stemming from his alleged retention of classified material at his Mar-a-Lago club and resort.
Like his defenders, Trump has promised to exact vengeance for his indictments. On August 3, he accused Democrats of engaging in an “unprecedented weaponization of ‘Justice,’” but added, “SOON, IN 2024, IT WILL BE OUR TURN.”
Even before he was indicted, Trump had homed in on revenge as a central campaign promise. “I am your warrior. I am your justice,” he said at the Conservative Political Action Conference in early March. “And for those who have been wronged and betrayed: I am your retribution.”