Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) erupted late Friday, accusing President Donald Trump of using the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey as a political weapon to silence critics and intimidate opponents.
Kinzinger, who sat on the highly controversial January 6th Committee, blasted Trump during an interview on CNN, claiming the charges against Comey are less about justice and more about sending a warning to those who dare challenge the President’s authority.
“This isn’t really about securing a conviction,” Kinzinger claimed. “It’s about intimidation. It’s about making life miserable for Trump’s opponents.”
Kinzinger Claims Trump Is Sending a Message
The former Illinois congressman alleged that Trump’s real motive is to scare corporations, politicians, and private citizens into falling in line.
“This is a signal to everyone — this could happen to you too,” Kinzinger said.
“When people get that message, they go quiet. Corporations go quiet. Everyone just salutes and goes along.”
He even admitted that this strategy has been highly effective, noting that several major corporations have already shifted policies to stay in Trump’s good graces.
Weak Case or Political Masterstroke?
Kinzinger argued the case against Comey is weak but will force him to spend enormous amounts of money on legal defense, distracting and exhausting him.
“The Republican Party used to stand against frivolous lawsuits,” Kinzinger said. “Now, the President is essentially weaponizing the legal system for political purposes.”
While Democrats like Kinzinger call it intimidation, many Trump supporters see it as holding the deep state accountable, especially after years of FBI misconduct under Comey’s leadership.
Kinzinger Says He’s ‘Not Afraid’ of Trump
Kinzinger insisted he isn’t worried about being personally targeted, pointing out that he and other members of the January 6th panel received preemptive pardons from Joe Biden before Biden left office.
“If Trump goes after me, it’ll only make me more effective,” Kinzinger declared.
“When you **back down, he wins. When you stand up and confront him, he tends to back down — and standing up is contagious.”
The Bigger Picture: Trump’s Growing Influence
The indictment of Comey comes at a time when Trump’s popularity among Republicans remains strong, and his policies continue to reshape corporate America.
Kinzinger admitted that, for now, Trump’s tactics are working:
“It’s successful, but in the long run, I think it’s going to be a stain on our history.”
With the 2026 midterms approaching, this legal showdown could have massive implications for both parties — and for America’s future.
Why This Story Matters
- Key players: Donald Trump, James Comey, Adam Kinzinger
- Hot topics: January 6th, FBI accountability, corporate politics, election integrity
- Conservative concerns: Deep State overreach, Biden’s pardons, media bias