Blackmail on a national scale

[sop]

2. It's a shakedown, pure and simple.

"In legal terms, a 'shakedown' refers to an attempt to extort or coerce someone, often through threats or deceptive tactics, to gain something, typically money...A 'shakedown' involves using threats or pressure to get someone to give you something they would not otherwise willingly provide. It can be a form of extortion or blackmail, where someone is compelled to pay money or perform some other action due to the threat of harm or exposure of damaging information."

Under the law in Florida and other states, shakedowns, specifically extortion, are illegal and carry potential penalties. "Extortion, as defined in Florida Statute Section 836.05, is a second-degree felony. Convicted individuals can face up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine."