Commonwealth Policy Center

Special Counsel with the Department of Justice (DOJ) Jack Smith is pursuing a criminal case against former President Donald Trump in connection with the 2020 presidential election. Two weeks ago, Trump pleaded “not guilty” to the charges, but he posted another response on his Truth Social platform the next day: “If you go after me, I’m coming after you.” Critics call Smith’s case a political witch hunt. But Trump’s response is also concerning. While the legal process may be abused and wrong motives of prosecutors applied, fighting fire with fire isn’t part of our system to resolve differences. A court of law is the place where we settle our differences. And the best way for the former President to prove his innocence is through legal arguments, not threats.