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Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) strongly criticized President Donald Trump, accusing him of acting like a "thug" and attempting to dismantle governmental checks and balances by purging federal prosecutors and FBI officials involved in January 6 investigations.
Speaking to MSNBC’s Alex Witt, Crockett condemned Trump’s recent actions, arguing that his moves reflect an ongoing effort to consolidate power.
“It’s a cleansing,” Crockett said, referring to Trump’s removal of law enforcement officials. “When Democrats said our democracy was at risk, people dismissed us, saying we were gaslighting. But Trump himself said he’d be a dictator on Day 1.”
Crockett emphasized that Trump’s actions go beyond rhetoric. “This isn’t just talk. He’s actually doing it,” she warned.
She pointed to Project 2025, a plan widely associated with Trump allies that envisions reshaping the federal government to centralize more power under the executive branch.
Crockett argued that Trump’s agenda aligns with the project’s goal of reducing institutional barriers that could check his authority.
“We talked about Project 2025. We talked about the consolidation of power. We talked about how he wanted to be a king. But in a democratic republic, that’s not how things work,” Crockett said.
She expressed alarm over Trump’s direct targeting of officials within the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI, calling it a calculated effort to undermine accountability.
“We have checks and balances in place for a reason, and he is doing everything he can to get rid of them. The DOJ and the people he’s attacking were simply doing their jobs,” she said.
Trump’s recent moves to remove career law enforcement officials have sparked significant controversy. Dozens of prosecutors and FBI agents involved in the January 6 cases were either forced out or reassigned.
Many of these officials had worked on cases that led to convictions of individuals involved in the Capitol attack.
Crockett, who served as a national co-chair for the Harris-Walz presidential campaign, has been a vocal opponent of Trump and his administration’s policies. She has consistently warned against what she sees as the erosion of democratic norms under his leadership.
She also criticized voters who continue to support Trump despite his legal troubles and controversial actions. “The problem is that Americans thought it was okay to take a full-fledged criminal and make him the president of the United States,” Crockett said.
She argued that Trump’s behavior in office is a direct consequence of his supporters enabling him. “Then they want to act surprised when he does criminal things,” she added.
Crockett’s remarks reflect broader concerns among Democrats and government watchdog groups who believe Trump’s efforts to reshape the federal government pose a significant threat to democracy.
Critics argue that his continued attacks on institutions such as the DOJ, the FBI, and the judiciary are aimed at reducing oversight and expanding executive power unchecked.
During his presidency, Trump has frequently clashed with federal agencies and attempted to install loyalists in key positions. His recent moves have included the dismissal of officials who played a role in investigations against him and his allies.
Many legal experts warn that such actions could set a dangerous precedent, allowing future presidents to use law enforcement agencies for political purposes.
Crockett warned that Trump’s authoritarian tendencies could have dire consequences if left unchecked. “Let me tell you: We have a thug in charge of the United States,” she said. “And if we don’t wake up, we may not have a United States.”
She accused Trump of deliberately fostering division instead of uniting the country. “Right now, he has only been successful in being a divider-in-chief,” she said.
Her comments add to the growing political tensions as Trump continues to push his agenda despite resistance from lawmakers and civil rights organizations.
Some Democratic lawmakers are calling for increased oversight and legislative measures to prevent executive overreach.
Public opinion on Trump’s latest actions remains deeply divided. While his supporters see him as taking decisive action against what they consider to be a corrupt establishment, his opponents view his moves as a direct assault on democratic institutions.
As the political landscape continues to shift, Crockett and other critics warn that the nation’s democratic foundations are at stake. With Trump’s influence growing within federal agencies, the battle over the limits of executive power is expected to intensify in the coming months.
