Sen.-elect Adam Schiff (D) Criticizes Trump’s Rhetoric, Calling It “Autocratic”
Sen.-elect Adam Schiff (D) has accused President-elect Trump of adopting the language of an “autocrat,” as speculation mounts over whether the next administration will target Trump’s perceived adversaries, including the incoming California senator.
Speaking on ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday, Schiff responded to host Kristen Welker’s question about Trump’s remarks. Trump had recently labeled Schiff a lunatic, an “enemy from within,” and suggested that the lawmaker posed a greater threat than China or Russia.
“That’s autocratic rhetoric,” Schiff said in comments highlighted by Mediaite. “That’s how authoritarian leaders talk. They seek to turn their political opponents into enemies.”
Schiff, a current member of the House, is on Trump’s list of political foes, largely due to his prominent role in Trump’s first impeachment trial. Trump has promised retribution and faces fewer constraints in his second term, with loyal Republicans being nominated to key Cabinet positions, GOP majorities in both chambers of Congress, and a recent Supreme Court decision granting presidents criminal immunity for actions taken in office.
Despite the tension, Schiff has downplayed the personal threats, insisting he will not be deterred from his duties.
“Look, I’m not worried about myself. I’m going to do my job, and his threats won’t intimidate me,” Schiff said.
He also expressed concern over Trump’s affinity for authoritarian leaders such as Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
“Anytime you have someone—especially someone about to become president of the United States—admiring dictators, mimicking their rhetoric, attacking the press, and undermining democratic institutions, we should absolutely be concerned,” Schiff said. “At the end of the day, it’s the American people who will bear the consequences.”
The Hill has reached out to the Trump transition team for comment.