Rep. Michael Waltz (R-FL) has launched a scathing attack on the Department of Justice, accusing it of trying to hide assassination threats against former President Donald Trump. Speaking on Fox News, Waltz claimed the DOJ is downplaying the severity of these Iranian-linked plots.
The Florida lawmaker pointed to a recent indictment involving a Pakistani national accused of planning to kill Trump. Waltz criticized the DOJ for not naming Trump directly in their announcement, saying they tried to “soft-pedal” the threat.
“You have multiple assassination plots from the Iranians,” Waltz stated. He described a complex scheme involving spotters, hit men, and even planned distractions using protesters.
Waltz connected these threats to Iran’s opposition to Trump’s potential return to the White House. He argued that Trump’s tough policies during his first term made him a target for the Iranian regime.
The congressman also brought up a recent cyber attack on Trump’s campaign, which he sees as part of Iran’s efforts to interfere with the 2024 election. Waltz accused the Biden administration of silence on these issues, suggesting it encourages further Iranian aggression.
Contrasting Trump’s approach with the current administration, Waltz said, “Iran knows that they’re sympathizers,” referring to President Biden and Vice President Harris. He implied that this perceived softness on Iran is emboldening the regime.
Waltz’s comments reflect growing Republican concerns about national security and the protection of political figures. As the election season heats up, these issues are likely to become increasingly prominent in political debates.
While Iran denies any involvement in U.S. election interference, Waltz’s statements highlight the deep distrust many conservatives harbor towards the Iranian regime and their concerns about the current administration’s foreign policy approach.