Elon Musk has recently threatened to fund primary challenges against House or Senate Republicans who oppose former President Donald Trump's agenda or his cabinet nominees. This development has added a new layer of complexity for Republican lawmakers, who are already grappling with the weight of Trump's influence. According to Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell from California, many of his Republican colleagues are "terrified" of crossing Trump due to concerns about career repercussions and personal safety.
The fear among Republicans is not unfounded. Trump's tweets and public attacks can significantly impact individuals' lives, as noted by Swalwell. This sentiment echoes the concerns of Bradley Moss, a lawyer for the FBI Agents Association, who has filed a lawsuit to prevent the Trump administration from publicly naming agents involved in the January 6 criminal investigation. Moss highlighted the threats posed by Trump's public statements during the impeachment process, saying,
“Donald Trump literally held up a photo of my boss, called him out by name, said he was scum, was a liar, etc.” – Bradley Moss
The impact of Trump's influence was evident in the political downfall of Liz Cheney, who lost her Wyoming seat after a primary defeat by a Trump supporter, and Mitt Romney's revelation that a senior Senate colleague changed his vote on Trump's conviction fearing personal safety. These instances underscore the environment of intimidation enveloping Capitol Hill.
“They were afraid for their own security – afraid, in some instances, for their lives.” – Liz Cheney
Republican Senator Thom Tillis received FBI warnings of "credible death threats" when contemplating a vote against Pete Hegseth's nomination. Reflecting on this climate of fear, Tillis advised reading "Snakes in Suits: When Psychopaths Go to Work" to better understand Trump's behavior. Meanwhile, Republican Senator Joni Ernst reversed her stance on Hegseth's nomination after Musk funded negative adverts against her.
Swalwell has personally experienced the cost of opposing Trump. He has spent over $1 million on security in the past two and a half years due to Trump's hostility towards him. Swalwell played a significant role as a manager in Trump's second impeachment trial and subsequently filed a lawsuit against Trump and his son. The fear gripping Republicans extends beyond professional concerns to personal safety and family well-being.
“It’s more personal. It’s their personal safety that they’re afraid of, and they have spouses and family members saying, ‘Do not do this, it’s not worth it, it will change our lives forever. We will have to hire around-the-clock security.’” – Eric Swalwell
The situation has led many Republicans on Capitol Hill to shy away from criticizing Trump's policies for fear of threats to their physical safety and families. Swalwell warns that this fear could further weaken support for Ukraine among GOP House members. According to Swalwell,
“When he tweets at you, people make threats, and you have to take people at their word. And so that is a real thing that my colleagues struggle with.” – Eric Swalwell
Bradley Moss emphasized the intimidation factor Trump wields through his platform, stating,
“He knows full well the intimidation factor he can bring through his bully pulpit.” – Bradley Moss
Trump's public attacks on critics extend beyond the political spectrum. Mark Zaid, a lawyer who represented the whistleblower revealing details of a call Trump made to Ukraine's president, faced Trump's wrath as well.