Democrats have long highlighted Donald Trump’s provocative remarks towards his political rivals, warning that he might enter office with a list of “enemies” and pursue a unique agenda of revenge.

Despite these warnings, voters chose Trump, with supporters suggesting that fears of retaliatory actions are exaggerated. They contend that Trump is more about show than substance, citing past campaign chants of “lock her up” aimed at Hillary Clinton that didn’t lead to actual prosecutions.

Trump has a reputation for being vengeful, often targeting political figures who he feels have wronged him, campaigning against Republicans who voted for his impeachment, and intervening in legal matters, such as when he dismissed FBI Director James Comey amidst the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.

He also dismissed Attorney General Jeff Sessions for recusing himself from the Russia inquiry and allegedly sought investigations into former Secretary of State John Kerry following disagreements over the Iran nuclear agreement.

The pivotal concern now is whether Trump’s campaign threats are serious or simply bluster in anticipation of a tumultuous phase of retribution.

If he wins decisively and the Supreme Court grants him broad immunity for his actions while in office, will Trump follow through on his threats against opponents? Is a reckoning approaching?

During his campaign, Trump spoke about legal actions against figures like President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, former congresswoman Liz Cheney, and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, labeling various political opponents as “enemies from within.” His threats of prosecution have drawn parallels to undemocratic regimes, raising serious doubts about the integrity of U.S. democracy.

Trump even made a social media post accusing Cheney of “treason,” a term he similarly used against former Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley.

Trump described Milley’s actions on social media as “so egregious that, in earlier times, the penalty would have been DEATH!”

At a rally in Pennsylvania, he asserted that Harris “should be impeached and prosecuted” for her immigration policies.

Nonetheless, those in Trump’s inner circle downplay the retribution rhetoric, noting the lack of action against Clinton as a sign that election talk doesn’t necessarily translate into legal repercussions. They claim that the best form of retribution would be achieving a successful presidency and a thriving economy.

“He never acted on it before; I doubt he will get consumed by it now,” stated a Republican consultant close to Trump’s campaign, remarking that “He understands how history is recorded…if he comes back to a stable economy, he could leave a more balanced legacy.”

Some analysts who have followed Trump closely remain doubtful.

“Expecting Donald Trump to transform into a kinder figure after campaigning as a fierce adversary shows a misunderstanding of his nature,” said Tim O’Brien, a biographer of Trump.

Throughout the campaign, Trump often contradicted himself, suggesting at times that Biden and his family should be charged with crimes while also stating, “my revenge will be success.” Some supporters believe that while prosecutions may be justified, it doesn’t mean he will embrace a fully vengeful presidency.

“If he didn’t engage in this during his first term, what makes anyone think he will do it in his second?” questioned long-time Trump advisor Roger Stone, speaking at the election night event in West Palm Beach. “Yet, those who broke the law, as they constantly say, should face prosecution.”

Matt Schlapp, chair of the Conservative Political Action Conference, believes the federal government will work to undermine Trump’s presidency, and he must be prepared to “fight back.”

“We need to be prepared to prosecute or at least hold accountable all these bureaucrats attempting to undercut the duly elected president,” Schlapp stated.

While some doubt Trump will actually pursue charges against his rivals, they anticipate significant changes at the Justice Department, which previously charged the now president-elect over claims related to the 2020 election and his handling of classified documents. Trump has vowed to dismiss special counsel Jack Smith, responsible for both cases.

“To me, revenge means getting rid of half the DOJ staff. I don’t believe it involves jail time for people,” said Sam Nunberg, a former Trump aide who has since become a critic.

Trump repeatedly asserts that the Department of Justice is politicized and engaged in “lawfare” against him, although he provides no proof of Biden’s interference in his legal matters, and Attorney General Merrick Garland has maintained that the department operates independently.

Changes at the DOJ might endanger its autonomy, making it vulnerable to the president’s influence and granting him significant power to target those he views as adversaries.

“I expect we’ll witness some real chaos at the Justice Department,” stated Ty Cobb, a lawyer who previously worked in Trump’s White House and now critiques the former president, forecasting “loyalty assessments” for top DOJ officials.

O’Brien characterized Trump’s campaign as a “revenge tour” driven by the belief that he lost the presidency in 2020 unjustly. He warned that an embittered Trump with fewer limitations during a second term could be a threat.

“I believe he will adopt an authoritarian style towards the American public that we have not seen in modern history,” O’Brien remarked. “The outcomes could be shocking and severe.”

Harris expressed her concerns about Trump’s threatening rhetoric in her closing remarks, emphasizing her plan to take office with a “to-do list,” while suggesting her opponent harbors an “enemies list.” However, Trump’s supporters assert this claim lacks credibility.

“This is not going to be about revenge,” stated Stone, who received a pardon from Trump following a conviction for obstructing the congressional investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election and for making false statements. “He realizes that the best way to say ‘(expletive) you’ is to transform the country and become the most popular president in history. Personal revenge has never been his aim.”

Marc Short, who was the chief of staff for former Vice President Mike Pence, commented that Trump’s campaign rhetoric was “unfortunate.”

“As conservatives, a core principle for us is upholding the rule of law,” said Short. “We often criticize leftist dictatorships for targeting their political foes, and I hope that won’t happen.”

Even though Trump did not act on his promise to prosecute Clinton in 2016, Short questioned whether he might follow through this time given the heightened threats in his recent campaign.

“Given the intensity of the rhetoric this time around, it’s a valid concern,” Short acknowledged.