Andrew McCabe, the former FBI deputy director, expressed concerns about the apprehension prevailing among numerous members of the intelligence community regarding the possibility of a second term for Donald Trump. Speaking to Kaitlan Collins on CNN’s “The Source,” McCabe highlighted a palpable sense of fear and unease within the intelligence circles regarding Trump’s potential return to power. He mentioned that some individuals within the community are contemplating leaving the country due to this apprehension. McCabe emphasized that there’s a prevailing belief among officials that Trump, if re-elected, would retaliate against his political adversaries.

“It’s truly terrifying. The prospect of Trump regaining power is deeply unsettling,” declared McCabe, reflecting on the sentiments expressed by some officials within the intelligence community.

McCabe pointed to Trump’s promise to his supporters of being their “retribution,” warning that this could result in “a systematic dismantling and severe crippling of the Department of Justice and the FBI.”

When Collins inquired about the FBI’s sentiments regarding the possibility of Trump seeking retribution, McCabe underscored that it instills fear within individuals in the intelligence community.

McCabe revealed that former colleagues, including those from the Obama administration, confided in him about their agonizing deliberations with family members regarding the necessity of leaving the country to evade potential unconstitutional and illegal detention.

“People are genuinely concerned about the looming threat of incarceration or arbitrary detention,” he expressed. Despite the seeming incredulity of such concerns, McCabe stressed that they should not be dismissed outright.

Having served under former FBI director James Comey during the extensive federal probe into alleged Trump-Russia collusion, McCabe briefly assumed the role of acting director following Comey’s dismissal by Trump in 2017. Subsequently, he was terminated by Attorney General Jeff Sessions in 2018. McCabe pursued legal action, alleging that his termination was politically motivated, and ultimately succeeded in having his pension reinstated.

Former FBI special agent and Fox News contributor Nicole Parker offered her perspective on McCabe’s remarks, indicating to Fox News Digital that McCabe appears to echo the sentiments of a specific faction of FBI agents. Parker suggested that this group has potentially misused their law enforcement authority to advance personal or ideological agendas, rather than impartially upholding the law.

Parker emphasized that the majority of individuals within the bureau are diligent and principled, representing the rank-and-file employees who joined the FBI with a commitment to safeguarding Americans, upholding constitutional principles, and impartially enforcing the law. These individuals, according to Parker, have remained faithful to their sworn duty and are disinterested in cases that appear to target individuals based solely on their political affiliations.

In contrast to the concerns expressed by the former group, Parker asserted that the latter group within the FBI is not fearful of a Trump administration. On the contrary, she suggested that most would welcome a new administration that aims to revitalize and strengthen the FBI and DOJ.

Parker expressed her belief that the potential reforms proposed by Trump, including measures to overhaul and enhance the FBI and DOJ, are precisely what these institutions need to regain their integrity and effectiveness.

Parker emphasized the necessity for strong leadership within the FBI to acknowledge past shortcomings and areas for improvement.

In an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, Trump addressed concerns regarding his previous statements about seeking retribution, clarifying that he intends to refrain from pursuing political vendettas for the betterment of the nation.

“First and foremost, those assertions are incorrect,” he asserted. “Such actions must cease, as they pose a threat to the fabric of our nation. Once this election concludes, given the circumstances, I could rightfully pursue legal recourse. It’s evident, especially concerning Joe Biden, that there are allegations of impropriety, including financial ties with China, Russia, and Ukraine.”

Could this fear be magnified by the introduction of Hunter Biden’s laptop as official evidence?