Trump orders Justice Department to probe alleged Democratic intimidation of Republicans

President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he has directed the Justice Department to examine claims that Democratic leaders have threatened Republican officials, donors and supporters, though he offered no details or evidence.

What did Trump allege about Democratic threats?

Trump said on Truth Social that Democrats are issuing intimidation, including threats of impeachment, against a wide range of individuals, and he labeled the behavior "extortion at the highest level" while ordering an immediate DOJ review, CNBC reported.

How is Sen. Elissa Slotkin connected to the claim?

In the same post, Trump asserted that Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin plans to target young people who support Republican values, referencing a Oct. 13 speech at the University of Chicago where Slotkin discussed deterring youth from working for a Trump administration, according to CNBC.

What is the background of the November 2025 video controversy?

Slotkin has said she, her family and staff faced physical and legal intimidation after a November 2025 video showed her and other Democrats urging the military to refuse illegal orders following Caribbean airstrikes; Trump called the video treason on Nov. 20, the FBI later contacted lawmakers, and a federal grand jury ultimately declined to indict the participants, CNBC noted.

The White House and Senator Slotkin did not immediately respond to requests for comment, CNBC added.