My concern here is about much more than the unfairness to Krebs, though this abuse of presidential power certainly harms him and makes him and his family targets for threats of violence.

My larger concern is that this represents a clear and direct threat to anyone, inside or outside the administration, who dares raise a dissenting voice or who exposes facts that might be contrary to the party line.

It is diametrically opposed to what the first amendment is designed to protect.