How did Claudius deal with senators and knights who opposed him?

Although Claudius maintained a formal respect for the dignity of the Senate and provided new opportunities for the equestrian order, his relationship with these upper classes was often marked by tension and hostility.1

Following several attempts on his life involving members of both the senatorial and equestrian orders, Claudius became ruthless and occasionally cruel in his treatment of those he perceived as opponents. Historical accounts, such as those found in the Apocolocyntosis and the works of later historians, depict his judicial approach as arbitrary. He was accused of issuing legal judgments without fair hearings and summarily ordering the executions of senators and knights who opposed him.12

While some modern scholars suggest that the historical tradition regarding his administration is one-sided and ignores his administrative energy, it remains clear that his governance was often viewed as despotic by the aristocracy, leading to significant friction between the emperor and the traditional ruling classes.21