On Saturday, April 26, 2025, ABC News reported that actions by President Donald Trump have raised concerns about the use of federal government power to target political opponents. The report highlighted two significant moves: an investigation into ActBlue, a Democratic fundraising platform, and the arrest of a Milwaukee judge, both seen as part of a broader pattern in Trump’s second term.
The Department of Justice, under Trump’s direction, launched a probe into ActBlue on Thursday, April 24, 2025. The platform, which channels donations to Democratic candidates, was targeted for scrutiny over potential illegal overseas contributions. ActBlue maintained that it operates within legal boundaries, and Democrats denounced the investigation as politically driven. No similar probe was announced for WinRed, a comparable Republican fundraising site.
On Friday, April 25, 2025, the FBI arrested Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan. The arrest stemmed from allegations that Dugan assisted an individual, described as being in the U.S. illegally, in evading immigration authorities by escorting him out of her courtroom through a non-public exit. The complaint noted Dugan’s visible frustration upon learning immigration agents were present in the courthouse. Kash Patel, Trump’s FBI director, announced the arrest via a post on X, which he later removed. Protests erupted outside the Milwaukee courthouse, with demonstrators demanding Dugan’s release.
The arrest drew sharp criticism from Democratic leaders. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer described it as an assault on the separation of powers, pledging a robust response. Attorney General Pam Bondi, appearing on Fox News, addressed Dugan’s case alongside a separate investigation involving a retired New Mexico judge accused of similar actions. Bondi emphasized that judges are not above the law, a statement that resonated amid ongoing tensions with federal judges who have blocked some of Trump’s policies.
Trump’s administration has also clashed with the judiciary over immigration enforcement. On a flight to Rome for Pope Francis’ funeral, Trump expressed frustration with judges delaying his deportation plans, accusing them of overstepping their authority. The White House has publicly criticized court orders, including one requiring the return of a Maryland man mistakenly deported to El Salvador and another directing the reversal of deportation flights. In one instance, the administration admitted to deporting migrants despite a judicial order, arguing the ruling only applied to immigration authorities, not the military.
The report noted Trump’s broader strategy of targeting perceived adversaries, including law firms, media outlets, and individuals. Political scientists weighed in, with Harvard’s Steve Levitsky stating that Trump’s actions align with a consistent pattern of “weaponizing the government and deploying it against critics,” a tactic he campaigned on. Dartmouth’s Brendan Nyhan compared the ActBlue probe to authoritarian tactics aimed at weakening opposition parties, suggesting it undermines democratic norms.
Congressional Republicans have largely remained silent as Trump pursues these actions, leaving the judiciary as the primary check on his initiatives. Calls from Trump’s allies to impeach judges or disregard court rulings have intensified, particularly regarding decisions challenging his efforts to overhaul federal government operations or alter election processes.
Source: ABC News
