Trump Says He Could Take Extreme Action Against Political Opponents

Donald Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that he could have taken severe actions against opponents including Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden and former President Barack Obama. He said he refrained only out of respect for the presidency, but noted that being impeached twice changed his calculus. The comment was made in response to a question about whether Democrats might pursue impeachment if they regain congressional control.

This declaration adds to a history of aggressive rhetoric aimed at critics like James Comey and Adam Schiff, and follows a recent accusation of treason against Obama. The timing is notable, as the statement precedes an important midterm election that will also mark the start of Trump's lame-duck period.