Fox News hosts on “The Five” sparked controversy on Thursday when they suggested that prosecutors involved in Donald Trump’s multiple criminal cases should face the death penalty. The remarks came as new reports indicated the Department of Justice (DOJ) is preparing to conclude its federal investigations into Trump before he potentially returns to office.
During the broadcast, co-host Greg Gutfeld questioned the mental state of those leading the prosecution against Trump, asking, “A lot of the people that were on this and wanted it so badly, how are they going to survive? Do you think they need therapy?”
In response, fellow co-host Dana Perino raised eyebrows by adding, “Yes, they definitely need therapy, and maybe also the death penalty,” to which Gutfeld replied, “Yes, I think the death penalty.”
The comments follow remarks by Trump himself, who recently stated he would fire Special Counsel Jack Smith “within two seconds” if re-elected. Smith is overseeing two major federal cases against Trump: one related to the mishandling of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago, and the other concerning Trump’s alleged efforts to interfere with the 2020 election results.
As part of DOJ policy, however, these cases are expected to be wrapped up in the coming weeks, as federal prosecutors cannot pursue charges against a sitting president.
In addition to the federal cases, Trump is also facing significant legal challenges at the state level. In New York, he is accused of orchestrating a hush-money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, while in Georgia, he is under investigation for attempting to overturn the 2020 election results. Unlike federal offenses, Trump cannot pardon himself for state crimes.
Meanwhile, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who is prosecuting Trump’s case in Georgia, recently won re-election, ensuring the continuation of the case against the former president.
The Five co-hosts noted that, in fact, Trump’s legal troubles may be strengthening his political base.
“You can do a rhetorical switch when you say that ‘In spite of all these legal cases against him, he won,’” Perino remarked. “And I changed it to ‘Because of all these legal cases.’”
Check the clip below:
Fox News’ Dana Perino and Greg Gutfeld suggest “the death penalty” for Donald Trump prosecutors pic.twitter.com/rkPWnDlZUk
— aliciasadowski (@aliciasadowski6) November 7, 2024
