Former Biden and Obama administration official Susan Rice is drawing renewed criticism from Republicans after comments she made about corporations and institutions that “take a knee” to President Donald Trump, with Sen. John Kennedy arguing the remarks amount to a call for political payback.
Kennedy, a Louisiana Republican, addressed Rice’s comments in a speech that his office publicized on March 4, saying both parties should avoid using government power to pressure political opponents.
Susan Rice retribution remarks aimed at “elites” and corporations
Rice made the remarks during an episode of a podcast hosted by former federal prosecutor Preet Bharara, published on Feb. 19. In the interview transcript, Rice said “it is not going to end well” for “the corporate interests, the law firms, the universities, the media” that she said acted in narrow self-interest, adding that they would be “held accountable” by those who oppose Trump and “win at the ballot box.”
Rice also urged organizations to “play a long game” rather than what she called a “short game,” and said Democrats would not simply “forgive” institutions she accused of violating policies, principles, or skirting laws if her party returns to power.
Kennedy says Rice’s comments sound like “payback”
In his remarks, Kennedy quoted Rice’s language and said it reflected “payback,” arguing that it would be wrong to use legal authorities to “prosecute and harass your political enemies.” He also said he opposed political retaliation “from across both parties,” framing it as a damaging precedent in national politics.
Kennedy’s office linked to video of his speech alongside the written excerpts.
Wider political fallout and corporate pressure claims
Rice’s comments have circulated amid broader political disputes involving major companies and regulatory scrutiny, including public criticism from Trump allies and conservative activists focused on corporate posture toward the administration.
Rice did not respond publicly in the materials released by Kennedy’s office, which described her as a former senior adviser to both Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden