Some members of Congress who were involved in the investigation into former President Donald Trump’s role in the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riot have expressed concerns about their safety and the possibility of arrest if Trump were to win a second term in November. They have had discussions with their families about the potential risks involved, especially after Trump hinted at future arrests of committee participants, including Rep. Liz Cheney. Members such as Rep. Adam Schiff and Rep. Pete Aguilar have taken Trump’s threats seriously and have considered the impact on their personal safety and that of their families.
Rep. Zoe Lofgren, who was part of the Jan. 6 committee, has also acknowledged the actions of Trump supporters, including harassment she has faced. Former Washington, D.C. police officer Michael Fanone, who testified at a public hearing of the committee, believes that Trump intends to go after people who have spoken out against him. Harry Dunn, another former U.S. Capitol Police officer, echoes these sentiments, stating that individuals who have testified against Trump should be concerned. Despite the fear of potential arrest, Dunn emphasizes the importance of continuing to do the right thing.
The Trump campaign has not directly responded to questions about whether Trump plans to pursue arrests of the Jan. 6 committee members. Instead, a spokeswoman for Trump criticized Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi, and other Democrats, accusing them of lying and covering up the truth. Trump’s social media post on March 18, calling for the arrest of committee members, has drawn criticism from scholars who study authoritarian regimes. They warn that such rhetoric could lead to a slide towards authoritarianism and have a chilling effect on critics, silencing them and enabling leaders with authoritarian aspirations to consolidate power.
The select committee conducted a high-profile investigation into Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election results and his role in inciting the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol. The committee referred criminal charges to the Justice Department for Trump and accused him of threatening democracy. After Republicans won control of the House, the committee was disbanded, and some members faced threats and harassment from Trump supporters. Rep. Pete Aguilar expressed concerns about the risks posed by Trump’s ongoing rhetoric, likening it to that of dictators, and emphasized the impact on public officials under such circumstances.
The threats made by a presidential candidate to jail legislators for their public speech and legislative work raise concerns about the independence of Congress, as protected by the Speech and Debate Clause. Aguilar and other members of Congress view Trump’s continued rhetoric as dangerous and inappropriate, comparing it to tactics employed by dictators. The fear of ongoing harassment and threats underscores the need for vigilance among public officials and the importance of standing up to authoritarian behavior that seeks to undermine democracy. Despite the risks, members of Congress remain committed to speaking out and defending democratic principles against forces that seek to undermine them.
