With Donald Trump set to take office in January as the 47th U.S. President, concerns are circulating about a so-called “enemies list” that some fear he may act on. Vice President Kamala Harris warned during her campaign that Trump could target those he views as adversaries, a claim she emphasized as the election drew closer. Trump has hinted at bold plans, calling his return to power the start of “the four greatest years in American history,” and suggesting a challenging first phase as he takes office.
Key figures potentially on Trump’s list include President Joe Biden, who he has pledged to investigate, citing alleged corruption. Trump has also singled out UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, accusing him of meddling in U.S. politics after some British Labour Party volunteers campaigned for Democrats. Trump has even threatened action against his longtime opponents, like former Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney and Vice President Kamala Harris, hinting at potential consequences for their opposition to his previous administration.
Former rivals Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama also remain on Trump’s radar. Trump’s criticisms of Clinton have revived calls for legal actions against her, an idea he floated during his first term with chants of “lock her up.” Similarly, Trump has accused Obama of “spying” on his previous campaign, describing it as “treason.” These longstanding grievances indicate Trump could revisit investigations into actions he has condemned publicly.
As Trump prepares for his second term, analysts note parallels to former President Richard Nixon’s reputed enemies list, which targeted those he believed were obstructing his administration. Trump’s public statements and campaign rhetoric have stoked concerns that his new term may see aggressive moves against political opponents, raising questions about the future tone of American governance.
