Congressman’s lawsuit against Trump could be the first of many
A federal lawsuit filed last week on behalf of U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-mississippi) against former President Donald Trump could be the first of many, and not just by congressmen, political experts suggest.
Leniece Smith, an assistant political science professor at Jackson State University, said Thompson’s lawsuit could be the tip of the iceberg, especially as Trump’s supporters begin to turn on him.
“They might have done better to find him guilty during the impeachment,” Smith said. “Because now, I think who’s going to be suing him is not just going to be people like Bennie Thompson and other members of the House. It’s going to be his supporters who feel he left them blowing in the wind.”
Some supporters are already blaming Trump for their involvement in the riot at the Capitol during their own legal proceedings, according to a USA Today report. Some staunch supporters of Trump said his influence and actions were what led them to storm the Hill, with some citing a cult-like loyalty.
The legal actions taken by others could include both civil and criminal lawsuits, Smith said, including civil lawsuits for wrongful death by family members of the five people who died.
According to the Mississippi Bar website, both civil and criminal cases consider violations of rights and determining fault. Criminal lawsuits, however, focus on crimes against society and not just an individual.
In the lawsuit, filed by the NAACP on behalf of Thompson, Trump is accused of inciting the deadly Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. The lawsuit further accuses Trump of conspiring with his lawyer and extremist groups to try to prevent the Senate from certifying the 2020 presidential election results.
“This lawsuit is about preserving the fabric of our democracy — which was nearly destroyed by the actions of an aspiring authoritarian,” Thompson said in a statement emailed to the Clarion Ledger. “If we fail to ensure consequences against those who instigated a coup, we leave ourselves exposed to continued threats against our constitution.”
The case also names as defendants Trump’s former personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, and groups including the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers.
The suit seeks both compensatory and punitive damages, which are to be determined by the court, according to the case document.
Nathan Shrader, a political science professor at Millsaps College, said the lawsuit’s significance is bringing accountability to the presidency, including holding a president accountable even after they leave office.
“The longterm implications of this is it demonstrates that a president’s words and actions matter,” Shrader said.
The significance of the legal action could reveal the state of the American justice system, Smith said, of Jackson State University.
“I think that one of the large implications is, can Americans still count on our justice system and our Democratic system,” Smith said. “Can we still count on it? I think that if he is not found responsible for any of this, that it sets a very bad and very dangerous precedent.”
Smith added if the legal proceedings continue, those who follow should look closely at what arguments are made for Trump and what arguments are made for the United States’ democracy. It could be telling of what precedent will be set, she said.
Shrader said suing Trump in a court, and having more potential lawsuits follow, could mean Trump faces consequences for his actions.
However, Shrader said while it is important to hold Trump accountable through the legal system, it won’t stop the political divide in the county.
“If anything, it’s going to exacerbate that for longer,” he said.
Contact Gabriela Szymanowska at gszymanowska@gannett.com, or on Twitter.