In a moment that shook the political landscape, former CNN anchor Jim Acosta stunned his viewers when he issued a dire warning to Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett during a recent episode of The Jim Acosta Show on Substack. The headline-making prediction? Donald Trump may be preparing to make her his next political target.

Acosta, who left CNN in January 2025 to pursue an unfiltered, independent platform, did not mince words.

“She’s loud, fearless, and she speaks truth to power. That makes her dangerous in the eyes of Trump’s inner circle. I believe Jasmine Crockett is next on their list—and I say that with a heavy heart,” Acosta said, pausing for dramatic effect.

The statement, delivered during a segment focused on the chilling rise of political retribution in Trump’s second term, immediately went viral. Within hours, #ProtectJasmine and #TrumpTargetsBlackWomen were trending on X, while a separate wave of far-right influencers cheered the prediction with hashtags like #LockHerUp and #CrockettIsNext.

MAGA Crowd Reacts: “We’ve Had Enough of Her”

Fueling the fire, several right-wing media personalities took to social media to echo Acosta’s warning—not with concern, but glee.

Popular conservative streamer Vince Kaine, known for his inflammatory content, reposted Acosta’s quote with the caption:

“About time. She’s been hiding behind identity politics for too long. Trump’s DOJ needs to send a message.”

Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon mentioned Crockett on War Room, saying,

“She’s the loudest mouth in the swamp. If she thinks she’s immune from scrutiny just because she screams racism every time someone criticizes her—think again.”

This kind of online rhetoric has sparked serious fears that Crockett may indeed become the symbolic center of Trump’s post-election crackdown on his most vocal critics.

Jasmine Crockett Responds: “They Can’t Scare Me”

Congresswoman Crockett did not stay silent for long. Within 24 hours of Acosta’s remarks, she posted a video message to her followers:

“So let me get this straight: I’m now a national target because I refuse to bow down to authoritarianism? That’s fine. I’ll take the heat. But I will NOT stop speaking out for marginalized communities, for reproductive rights, or for democracy.”

Crockett, who has earned a reputation for her sharp debate style and fearless floor speeches, has already faced threats before. But this is the first time a former national news anchor has publicly suggested she could be facing arrest.

And while there is no official confirmation from the Department of Justice, Acosta pointed to worrying signs.

“Trump has made it crystal clear he wants retribution. We’ve already seen investigations launched into prosecutors, former DOJ officials, and even fellow members of Congress. Jasmine Crockett—an unapologetic Black woman who challenges him at every turn—is exactly the kind of target he loves to vilify,” Acosta said.

Democrats Warned: “This Is Not a Drill”

Prominent Democrats are sounding the alarm. Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut told reporters,

“This is not just about Jasmine Crockett. This is about whether or not we are going to tolerate authoritarian behavior under the guise of legal action.”

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called the targeting “chilling” and demanded “a bipartisan commitment to protect all members of Congress from political prosecution.”

The Congressional Black Caucus issued a formal statement late Friday night:

“We stand in full solidarity with Rep. Crockett. Any attempt to weaponize the justice system against her—or any other member—will be met with swift and decisive resistance.”

A Symbolic Fight in a Dangerous Era

Whether or not Acosta’s prediction comes true, one thing is clear: the political climate in 2025 is volatile, vindictive, and unrelenting.

Trump has made no secret of his intention to punish those who challenged him—from journalists and judges to attorneys general and lawmakers. In this new political reality, where loyalty is currency and defiance is punished, figures like Jasmine Crockett are seen as more than just opposition—they are enemies.

And for a country still reeling from years of division and distrust, that could spell disaster.

As Jim Acosta said in closing:

“This isn’t about Jasmine Crockett. It’s about whether we let this nation slide into a place where power is used not to protect liberty—but to destroy it.”

For now, all eyes remain on Crockett, who may have just found herself on the front line of a war over America’s democratic soul.