Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) clarified on Sunday that President-elect Trump does not have an “enemies list,” despite headlines suggesting otherwise after Trump referred to his opponents as “the enemy within.”
Donalds addressed the issue on Fox News Sunday, emphasizing that Trump has never discussed or committed to maintaining an enemies list. “This is simply not something Donald Trump has ever endorsed or even considered,” he stated. “There is no enemies list.”
While acknowledging that Trump has individuals who oppose him, Donalds stressed that the focus of the president-elect remains squarely on the American people. “Trump is focused on serving the people of this country, not on targeting specific opponents,” he explained.
Trump’s top priorities, according to Donalds, include securing the southern border, deporting noncitizens, and boosting the economy and energy sectors. “The president-elect’s attention is on the American people, not on keeping a list of enemies,” Donalds reiterated.
Trump had previously promised to take action against critics and perceived “enemies” if he won re-election. In the lead-up to the election and especially after securing a second term, concerns grew about whether Trump might act on these threats.
However, limitations still exist regarding what Trump could pursue in terms of seeking retribution against political adversaries once he returns to the White House.