Opponents of Trump are creating a network to support potential political targets under the incoming administration.

 The specialists would provide legal, financial, public relations, and mental health support to those in need, all free of charge.

Dec. 19, 2024, 4:00 PM GMT+6

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Written by Peter Nicholas, Carol E. Lee, Megan Lebowitz, and Ken Dilanian.

WASHINGTON — Lawyers and pro-democracy advocates are in the early stages of establishing a nationwide network aimed at defending individuals who may become targets of retribution once President-elect Donald Trump assumes office, according to multiple sources involved in the effort.

The initiative is designed to extend far beyond legal defense for those potentially subject to criminal or civil investigations under a new Trump administration. Those leading the initiative are working to recruit not just lawyers, but also accountants to assist individuals facing audits, employment experts to advise those at risk of wrongful termination or reassignment, public relations professionals to help protect reputations, and even psychologists to support those dealing with the stress of being targeted by the federal government.

The services will be offered for free, funded through nonprofit organizations and online donation platforms, according to those involved.

“This is necessary because we are witnessing an unprecedented threat of government power being misused,” said Norm Eisen, co-founder of the State Democracy Defenders Fund, a nonprofit group that provides pro bono legal services, and one of the individuals assisting the initiative. “Nonprofit legal organizations and the pro bono legal community need to be prepared to offer strong support to those unfairly targeted.”

While still in its infancy, the network is expected to be a mix of new and existing nonprofit organizations. One key goal is to establish a group that would provide security and public relations support for current or former officials facing what they believe to be retaliatory actions.

The prospect of such a network stems from the unique climate surrounding Trump’s presidency. While incoming presidents rarely spark such concerns, Trump has frequently expressed resentment toward those he believes have wronged him and has suggested that his political adversaries should face consequences. Over the years, he has criticized judges, prosecutors, lawmakers, journalists, and other public figures who have opposed or criticized him.

Upon taking office, Trump will oversee a vast law enforcement system that could target his perceived enemies with significant financial and legal consequences. Defending oneself from such investigations can be financially devastating, even for those who ultimately face no criminal penalties. Legal defense costs can quickly reach into the six figures.

In a recent interview with NBC News’ Meet the Press, Trump reiterated his desire to see members of the House committee that investigated the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack jailed, hinting at the possibility of pursuing investigations into those he sees as having wronged him. When asked whether he wanted to see his FBI director pick, Kash Patel, investigate his political enemies, Trump did not directly answer, but suggested that if individuals had broken the law, they should be held accountable.

Mark Zaid, a national security lawyer who has been helping recruit participants for the effort, noted that while the future remains uncertain, Trump’s history of retaliating against his critics suggests that those who oppose him could face serious repercussions. “We don’t know what to expect other than what he’s promised,” Zaid said. “But when it comes to retribution and retaliation, he seems to deliver more often than not.”

One potential way to mitigate these risks could be through pre-emptive pardons from President Joe Biden. For instance, Biden recently granted a sweeping pardon to his son Hunter for any offenses over the past decade, effectively shielding him from scrutiny under the new administration.

NBC News reached out to a group of individuals who have been targeted by Trump or his allies. About half of them expressed reluctance to accept pre-emptive pardons, stating they had done nothing wrong. Others, however, expressed uncertainty or indicated they would accept pardons if offered.

Among those who have publicly rejected the idea of pardons are former CIA Director John Brennan and Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., who led Trump’s first impeachment trial. However, Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., chair of the January 6 committee, said he would accept a pardon from Biden, as would former White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham, who has been critical of Trump.

Some former government officials, concerned about the potential for retribution, have even considered leaving the country. One former national security official, who visited foreign countries to look for rental homes, ultimately decided against it, fearing that doing so could give the impression of guilt.

Legal experts suggest that a potential wave of groundless investigations by Trump’s appointees could face significant hurdles. Career FBI agents, for example, would violate their own policies by targeting individuals without solid evidence. Investigators who engage in such actions could be subject to legal consequences, including prosecution for misconduct. Justice Department attorneys who partake in baseless investigations could face disciplinary actions by their state bar associations and the department's Office of Professional Responsibility.

While the network of legal professionals may not prevent the Trump administration from targeting its critics, experts suggest that it could make such attacks more difficult to carry out. Rosa Brooks, a former Defense Department official now at Georgetown Law, emphasized that Trump and his circle may find it harder to target individuals without facing serious pushback. "They will not be easy targets," Brooks said, "because there will be resources in place to provide strong legal defenses against politically motivated investigations and prosecutions."