Donald Trump’s return to the White House will put him in a position to push for criminal charges against his political opponents, such as former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other members of Congress.
The soon-to-be president expressed support for that tactic on the campaign trail, but former Justice Department officials and legal experts say there are various guardrails set up to prevent retribution through the criminal process.
Prosecutors can refuse to take part in unjustified investigations, officials at state bars can revoke law licenses and the department’s Office of Professional Responsibility can investigate corrupt decisions. Plus, if charges are brought, federal judges can dismiss cases and jurors can decline to convict defendants.
