‘We Are Taking Names’: Democratic Congressman Vows Accountability in Response to Reported Trump DOJ ‘Enemies’ List
In a sharp escalation of political tensions, Democratic Congressman Jason Crow of Colorado declared on Tuesday that he is ‘taking names’ and assembling a roster of individuals who must face oversight, a direct counter to reports of an alleged ‘enemies’ list compiled during the Trump administration’s tenure at the Justice Department.
The exchange occurred during an interview on MSNBC’s ‘The Beat with Ari Melber,’ where the host presented graphics detailing the reported list. Crow, a former U.S. Army Ranger and member of the House Intelligence Committee, was pressed on how Congress would respond to what he characterized as potential abuses of power.
‘Accountability will come, sooner or later,’ Crow stated emphatically. ‘You can’t hide from that. We are taking names. I’m creating my own lists of people that need to have oversight and accountability.’ He argued that officials who violate the law or their constitutional oath cannot escape judgment indefinitely, regardless of their position or title.
The context for Crow’s remarks traces back to a controversial video released in late 2025, in which he and several other Democratic lawmakers with national security backgrounds urged U.S. military personnel to refuse any hypothetical illegal orders. The Justice Department under President Trump subsequently investigated the lawmakers, but a Washington, D.C. grand jury declined to issue indictments in February.
This episode underscores the deepening partisan divide over the rule of law and the appropriate use of prosecutorial power. Legal analysts suggest Crow’s ‘list’ rhetoric signals a more aggressive Democratic stance in overseeing the executive branch, potentially foreshadowing future congressional investigations should political control of Congress shift.
Reactions & Analysis:
‘This isn’t about partisan scorekeeping; it’s about restoring faith in our institutions,’ said Dr. Evelyn Reed, a political historian at Georgetown University. ‘Congressman Crow is invoking a long, sober tradition of congressional oversight. The real test will be whether this leads to substantive, fact-based inquiries or devolves into mere political theater.’
Offering a more critical perspective, Marcus Thorne, a former federal prosecutor and legal commentator, argued: ‘While oversight is crucial, publicly announcing you’re ‘making a list’ dangerously mirrors the very tactics he’s condemning. It risks politicizing the justice system further and feeds a cycle of retribution that erodes public trust.’
‘It’s about time someone said it out loud!’ exclaimed Sarah Chen, a veterans’ rights advocate from Denver. ‘These officials think they’re untouchable. Crow, who served himself, is right to hold them to the same standard every soldier is held to: the Constitution. No more hiding behind desks.’
In a related development, the article referenced ongoing efforts by some Republican lawmakers to censure Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) over his participation in the same ‘unlawful orders’ video, highlighting how the issue continues to reverberate on both sides of the aisle.
The White House had not responded to a request for comment at the time of publication.