Fact check: Have any U.S. presidents been known to keep an "enemies list"?

1. Summary of the results

Yes, U.S. presidents have been known to keep "enemies lists." The most documented and historically significant example is Richard Nixon's enemies list, which was a formal compilation of individuals and groups opposed to his administration ^{[1] [2]}. This list was compiled by Charles Colson and George T. Bell and included a wide range of targets from politicians and journalists to celebrities and activists ^[3]. The list served a specific purpose: to identify targets for retaliation, including tax audits and other forms of harassment ^[1].

More recently, President Trump has been documented as using government power to target perceived enemies, launching what sources describe as "a sweeping campaign of retribution" using various government agencies to target over 100 perceived enemies ^[2]. Trump's actions included revoking security clearances, launching investigations, and filing lawsuits against journalists, law firms, and universities ^[4].

Additionally, Kash Patel has compiled what's described as an 'enemies list' of people he considers part of the 'deep state,' with some individuals on this list taking drastic protective measures, including relocating and keeping home purchases anonymous ^[5].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks important context about the scope and methods of presidential enemies lists. While Nixon's list was a formal document used for systematic retaliation ^[1], modern examples show different approaches to targeting perceived opponents.

The analyses reveal that enemies lists have evolved beyond simple documentation to active government weaponization. Trump's approach involved using multiple government agencies rather than a single list, affecting over 100 individuals ^{[2] [4]}. This represents a significant escalation from Nixon's era.

Political figures and their associates benefit from maintaining enemies lists as tools of intimidation and control. The concept serves as both a practical tool for retaliation and a symbolic demonstration of power that can deter opposition.

The sources also highlight that enemies lists remain relevant to contemporary politics, with the Nixon precedent being invoked in discussions about modern political retaliation and abuse of power ^[6].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question contains no apparent misinformation but is significantly incomplete in its scope. By asking only whether presidents have been "known to keep" enemies lists, it understates the documented reality that such lists have been actively used for retaliation and harassment.

The phrasing suggests enemies lists might be merely historical curiosities, when the evidence shows they represent ongoing threats to democratic institutions ^[7]. The question fails to capture that enemies lists have been used as tools for systematic abuse of presidential power, not just record-keeping.

The question also lacks temporal context, potentially leading readers to view this as a historical phenomenon rather than recognizing that targeting of perceived enemies continues in modern presidencies through various mechanisms ^{[2] [4] [5]}.