Donald Trump’s legal allies are preparing to pursue investigations of his critics as he approaches a second term, with conservative attorney Mike Davis and attorney general candidate Mark Paoletta calling for legal action against officials like special counsel Jack Smith and New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Davis, who is advising Trump’s transition team, has said publicly that both Smith and James should face prison for what he calls a “conspiracy” against Trump.
Paoletta, a top contender for attorney general, recently argued that a president has full authority to direct DOJ investigations. Several officials, including former acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker and Missouri Sen.
Eric Schmitt, share this view, which departs from a 50-year precedent of presidential noninterference in specific cases. DOJ insiders, meanwhile, are reportedly weighing whether to stay or leave if Trump directs partisan investigations.
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