Anti-Trump forces build a network to aid targets of the incoming administration
Pro-democracy advocates are in the early stages of building a network of specialists aimed at defending people who may be targeted for retribution by Trump.
WASHINGTON — Lawyers and pro-democracy advocates are in the early stages of building a nationwide network of specialists aimed at defending and protecting people who may be targeted for retribution once President-elect Donald Trump takes office, according to multiple people involved in the effort.
The sprawling initiative is intended to go far beyond legal assistance for those potentially subjected to criminal or civil investigations in a new Trump administration.
Those working to create the infrastructure said that in addition to lawyers, they are recruiting accountants to help people who may find their taxes under audit, employment experts to advise those who could be fired or reassigned without cause, public relations professionals to assist anyone whose reputations might be tarnished by accusations and even psychologists to help potential targets manage the stress that comes with being in the federal government’s crosshairs.
The services would be free, underwritten by contributions to nonprofit groups steering the effort or through web-based donation sites, those involved said.
“It’s necessary because we’re seeing threats of the improper use of government and investigative power like we haven’t seen in modern times in our country,” said Norm Eisen, a co-founder of the State Democracy Defenders Fund, a nonprofit group that offers pro bono legal services, who is assisting the effort. “The pro bono bar and nonprofit legal organizations need to be ready to provide strong support to those who are targeted unfairly.”
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