A suburban Chicago man, Trent Schneider, 57, of Winthrop Harbor, faces federal charges for allegedly posting threats to kill former President Donald Trump on social media. The criminal complaint, unsealed on Monday, accuses Schneider of making interstate threats in a series of Instagram videos. Schneider was arrested and detained on Monday morning, with a detention hearing scheduled for Thursday.
What Happened
Trent Schneider was charged with making a threat in interstate commerce after posting a video to Instagram on October 16, 2025. In the video, Schneider allegedly expressed violent intentions toward President Donald Trump, saying, “I’m tired of all you f—— frauds. People need to f—— die and people are going to die. F— all of you, especially you, Trump. You should be executed.” Schneider reportedly included a caption in the video saying, “THIS IS NOT A THREAT!!! AFTER LOSING EVERYTHING and My House Auction date is 11.04.2025 @realDonaldTrump SHOULD BE EXECUTED!!!”
The video, in which Schneider made these statements while holding a “selfie-style” camera, was allegedly posted 18 times between October 16 and October 21, 2025. A concerned citizen in Florida reported the video to law enforcement, prompting an investigation. Schneider was arrested on Monday, and a federal judge in Chicago ordered his detention in custody pending further hearings.
Who Is Trent Schneider / Background of the Case
Trent Schneider is a 57-year-old man from Winthrop Harbor, a suburban area north of Chicago. The alleged threats come amidst Schneider’s personal struggles, which he referenced in the video, including an impending auction of his home. Schneider’s frustration appears to have contributed to his violent rhetoric on social media.
The complaint filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois charges Schneider with making threats to injure a person in interstate commerce. Schneider faces a potential maximum sentence of five years in federal prison if convicted of the charges.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Sentence
Following his arrest, Trent Schneider was ordered to remain detained in federal custody, and he is scheduled for a detention hearing on Thursday. If convicted, Schneider faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison under the charge of making threats through interstate commerce. The seriousness of the threat, particularly targeting a former U.S. president, has led to the federal charges.
Public and Social Media Reactions
The public’s reaction to the threat has been swift, with many condemning Schneider’s violent statements. The incident has also sparked discussions about the prevalence of threatening rhetoric on social media platforms, and the potential consequences for individuals making such statements online.
Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, have emphasized the importance of reporting threats and acting swiftly to ensure the safety of individuals targeted. Social media platforms have faced increased scrutiny in recent years for their role in hosting harmful or violent content.
What Happens Next
Schneider’s case is still under investigation, and law enforcement continues to evaluate the full context of the threats. As his detention hearing approaches, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will be preparing to present further details, and Schneider’s defense attorney will likely argue for release or other terms of his detention.
As the case progresses, authorities continue to urge the public to report any threats or suspicious activities, as they play a critical role in preventing violence and ensuring safety.
Closing Line:
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
