Potential Title: Former Trump Adviser Suggests Potential Prosecution of Journalists Under New Administration
An ex-Trump advisor cautions that if re-elected in 2024, Trump's administration might take legal actions against journalists, alleging criminal conduct
A close confidant of the former president from the Trump administration cautioned that if Trump were to win the 2024 election, journalists would be targeted and potentially prosecuted for alleged crimes. Kash Patel, a former adviser on the National Security Council and chief of staff to the acting secretary of Defense, maintains influence with Trump and is anticipated to have a role in national security in a potential second Trump administration.
Patel's remarks coincide with Trump's effort to return to the Oval Office and heightened scrutiny of his potential second term plans. The ex-president has made several implications that he would exploit the Department of Justice against his political adversaries if reelected, including in a recent Univision interview. "We will identify the conspirators, not just in the government but also in the media. Yes, we will pursue those in the media who spread falsehoods about American citizens, who assisted Joe Biden in manipulating presidential elections - we will pursue you," Patel stated on a podcast led by another ex-Trump advisor, Steve Bannon.
"Regardless of whether it's criminal or civil, we'll determine that. But yes, we're putting all of you on notice," Patel declared. "We will prosecute them for crimes they have accused us of, but of which we have never been guilty, using the Constitution."
Trump has frequently hinted at retaliating against media outlets that he believes portray him negatively. In a recent social media post, Trump stated that the government should penalize MSNBC for "illegal political activity."
Erica Knight, a representative for Patel, informed CNN that he intended to focus on holding journalists accountable for breaking the law, rather than indiscriminately prosecuting them. Knight also released a statement from Patel, stating, "When President Trump assumes office in 2025, we will pursue legal action against those who have violated the law and put an end to the biased, unequal justice system."
The Trump campaign dismissed Patel's "declarations," stating that they were not affiliated with them. However, they did not confirm whether Trump was considering Patel's proposed measures.
Patel, a longtime supporter of Trump, is currently a fellow at the Center for Renewing America, a conservative think tank that is closely collaborating with the Trump campaign to prepare for a second-term agenda. Patel first gained Trump's favor for his role in Republican efforts to counter-program Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. When Patel later joined the Trump administration, the president saw him as a trustworthy adviser to carry out his goals.
