On the fateful night when he reclaimed the presidency, Donald J. Trump proclaimed that “it’s time to unite” and urged the nation to “put the divisions of the past four years behind us.” However, this sentiment was short-lived. In a mere 55 hours, Trump began issuing ominous threats regarding the use of his renewed power to investigate those who had crossed him.

Feeling slighted by what he referred to as “fake, untrue, and probably illegal rumors” suggesting he might sell shares of the social media platform that has significantly contributed to his wealth, Trump took to the internet to dispel such notions. In his characteristic style, he demanded that those perpetuating these rumors “be immediately investigated by the appropriate authorities.”

The question remains whether he will follow through on this or any of his numerous threats to prosecute his detractors. Trump has a history of lashing out without any follow-up actions, yet there are instances where he has acted on his grievances. Throughout his campaign, he fixated on achieving “retribution” for the myriad ways he felt wronged, leading both supporters and critics to brace for a potential wave of vengeance once he takes office again in January.

Eight years after his initial electoral triumph, Trump re-enters the White House with heightened anger, bitterness, and a pronounced focus on revenge compared to his previous tenure. His brief call for unity on election night sparked some speculation that he might temper his menacing rhetoric. After all, this time, he has seemingly secured everything he desired: vindication from voters, a more decisive electoral victory than in his first run, and the likelihood of escaping any criminal consequences, especially following the Supreme Court’s broad endorsement of presidential immunity regarding actions taken in office.

Yet, such an assessment may overlook the profound depth of his resentment and his insatiable appetite for retaliation following the numerous impeachments, investigations, indictments, and lawsuits directed at him. While he might refrain from targeting prominent figures like President Biden or Vice President Kamala Harris, his allies anticipate that he will pursue at least some of the individuals he has publicly identified as adversaries. Moreover, given Trump’s unpredictable temperament, it is impossible to dismiss the possibility that he could change his mind, fostering an atmosphere of intimidation that might stifle open dissent.

• Will Trump retaliate? Gwenda Blair, a biographer of the Trump family, succinctly posed this question.
• Of course, retribution is expected. The only uncertainty lies in determining the scale of his response—whether it will be broadly applied or meticulously targeted.