Honestly, the list is getting longer. If you’ve been following the news out of Washington lately, you’ve probably noticed that the talk of "retribution" isn’t just campaign rhetoric anymore—it’s the actual playbook for 2026. This week, things took another sharp turn. Donald Trump names more political rivals he wants prosecuted, and this time, the net is being cast wider than ever, reaching into the halls of Congress and even the upper echelons of the Federal Reserve.
It’s a lot to keep track of. One day it’s a former FBI director, the next it’s a sitting Senator. Basically, if you’ve crossed the administration or even just questioned a military directive, you might find yourself in the crosshairs of a federal investigation.
The New List: Lawmakers and Bankers Under Fire
So, who exactly are we talking about? The most recent names to surface aren’t just the "usual suspects" from the 2020 era. We are seeing a fresh wave of targeting that feels very specific to the current political fights of 2026.
The "Military Video" Five
Earlier this week, five Democratic lawmakers—including Rep. Jason Crow and Rep. Chrissy Houlahan—confirmed they are being looked at by the Department of Justice. Why? It all stems from a video message they sent to U.S. troops. In that video, they essentially reminded service members that they aren't obligated to follow "illegal orders."
The administration isn't having it. They’re framing this as an attempt to undermine military discipline. Rep. Crow hasn't minced words, stating that the President has essentially called for his "arrest, prosecution, and even execution" over the clip. It’s heavy stuff. This isn't just a political spat; it’s a federal probe led by interim D.C. Attorney General Jeanine Pirro’s office.
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Jerome Powell and the Federal Reserve
This one caught a lot of people off guard. You’d think the Fed Chair would be safe from the political fray, but Jerome Powell is officially on the list. The DOJ has opened a criminal investigation into Powell, ostensibly tied to the renovation of the Federal Reserve’s headquarters.
But if you look at the timing, it’s hard to ignore the context. Trump has been vocal about his displeasure with the Fed's independence. By targeting Powell with a "criminal" probe over a building renovation, the administration is effectively putting the entire financial system on notice.
The "Persistent" Targets: Letitia James and Adam Schiff
Then there are the names that just won't go away. New York Attorney General Letitia James is back in the spotlight. Despite a Virginia judge previously tossing out mortgage fraud charges against her because the prosecutor was "illegally appointed," the DOJ is doubling down. They’ve recently moved in new leadership—like U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan—to keep the pressure on.
And then there’s Senator Adam Schiff. He’s been a staple of Trump’s "prosecution list" for years, but the 2026 version of this pursuit involves specific investigations into his past dealings and committee work. It’s clear the goal here is to keep these figures tied up in legal battles indefinitely.
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How the "Weaponization" Is Actually Happening
You might be wondering: how does this actually work? Is the President just pointing a finger and saying "get them"? Kinda, but it's more organized than that.
The administration has set up what they call the "Weaponization Working Group." This group, along with the "Directors Initiatives Group" (DIG) led by figures like Paul McNamara, is designed to scour records for anything that can be framed as a crime.
- Public Shaming: If they don't have enough evidence to actually convict someone, they’ve admitted they will "name and shame" them publicly to ruin their reputation.
- FARA Violations: They are using the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) as a primary tool. It’s a broad law, and they’re using it to target anyone who has had dealings with foreign entities, like former aides to New York governors.
- NSPM-7: This is a big one. National Security Presidential Memorandum 7 essentially labels things like "anti-Americanism" or "hostility toward traditional views" as potential indicators of domestic terrorism. It gives the DOJ a massive opening to investigate activists and nonprofits.
Why This Matters for 2026
The vibe in D.C. right now is... tense. It’s not just about the big names. It’s about the "chilling effect." If a sitting Congressman can be investigated for telling troops to follow the law, what does that mean for a regular activist or a local official?
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is another example. The administration has shown a lot of "personal animosity" toward him, and Minnesota has even filed lawsuits (like Minnesota v. Noem) to stop what they call "punitive" federal actions against the state.
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Critics say this is the "rule of law" being replaced by the "rule of the leader." Supporters, however, argue that these people—the "Deep State" or political rivals—have been "getting away with it" for too long and that these prosecutions are finally bringing accountability.
What Most People Get Wrong
A lot of folks think these are just "threats" that won't go anywhere. But the 2026 reality is different. We are seeing real grand jury subpoenas. We are seeing federal agents being dispatched to states like Illinois and Minnesota under "Operation Midway Blitz" and "Operation Metro Surge."
These aren't just tweets. These are docket numbers.
Actionable Insights: How to Navigate This Climate
If you’re a professional in a field that might be "politicized"—whether you’re in law, a nonprofit, or local government—it’s time to be proactive.
- Audit Your Compliance: Especially regarding FARA and federal grants. The DOJ is looking for technicalities. Ensure all foreign contacts and "influencing" activities are documented.
- Understand Your Rights: If you are a federal employee or contractor, familiarize yourself with the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) and whistleblower protections, though be aware these are also being tested.
- Document Interactions: If you are part of a group being targeted under NSPM-7, keep meticulous records of your activities to prove they are protected speech, not "domestic terrorism."
- Watch the Courts: The judiciary is the only real check left. Cases like Minnesota v. Noem will set the precedent for whether the executive branch can use federal power to "punish" specific states or individuals.
The landscape is shifting fast. Staying informed isn't just about reading the headlines anymore; it’s about understanding the legal mechanisms being used to redefine political opposition in America.