They're genuinely scared they will end up on some list, and Trump or others will take their revenge. Because it's been done so much on the left, the return volley is now scary to them.
Since they truly believe Trump is Hitler, they're expecting camps. So, they are deliberately keeping their mouths shut until "freedom reigns".
The others are trying to conspiracy theory the idea it was fake, or act like it never happened.
Fear, fear is good, the great quote from Machiavelli:
Although I'd argue A LOT of his teachings are highly relevant today, especially these two:
We are in a REALLY good position that there's two things we need to do, Trump needs to surround himself with like-minded and talented individuals, him selecting JD Vance as his "attack dog VP" is a good start and then when everything is in place since the left aren't in a position to fight because they used ALL their cards, we need to do this to EVERY institution...politically of course.
I think that's the great thing about the position that he's in right now— you're right, when he got into politics he still seemed to behave in a way that was incredibly naive, for a man of such strength. He knows who the vipers are now, and what they're capable of. He's in a position to attack. God, please steer him the right direction, and to find great allies. Amen.