Democratic lawmakers Allege Trump of ‘Intimidation’ Tactic as FBI Seeks Interviews
A group of Democrat politicians branded by the president as engaging in “seditious behavior” have asserted that the president is using the FBI against them as a “instrument to intimidate and harass congressional representatives.”
The four elected officials, along with two additional members, had produced a video encouraging US military service members to disobey illegal commands – a statement that angered Trump, who wrote on online platforms that the group were “traitors” and thus might face imprisonment or even be subject to capital punishment.
A statement, released by US representatives the Colorado congressman, the Pennsylvania representatives, and the New Hampshire lawmaker, confirmed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation had contacted the House and Senate sergeants at arms seeking discussions with them.
“Regardless of any pressure or threats will ever stop us from doing our jobs and upholding the Constitution,” they said, adding that they had each taken a vow “to support and defend” the US constitution.
“That oath lasts a lifetime, and we plan to honor it. We will not be bullied. We will never give up the ship,” they continued.
The declaration intensifies a dispute between the president’s team and Democrats, such as Arizona senator and former astronaut Mark Kelly and Michigan congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, over the video message, which advised the military and intelligence services members to “refuse illegal orders.”
Slotkin said the FBI’s counter-terrorism division had informed the group that “they are opening what appears to be an investigation targeting the six individuals” and described the action as a “intimidation strategy” by Trump.
“Frankly, the president’s reaction and the use of the FBI against us is precisely the reason we made the video,” she said.
“He supports utilizing the US government against his perceived adversaries, and he’s not afraid to use the arms of the government against people he disagrees with. He does not believe the law applies to him … which is precisely the reason we produced the recording, to offer reassurance that they had support as they observe these events develop.”
The US Department of Defense has additionally stated it is conducting a review of claims of improper behavior against Kelly that might, it indicated, lead to his return to military service to undergo a military trial.
