Democratic lawmakers Accuse Trump of ‘Intimidation’ Campaign as FBI Seeks Meetings
A collection of Democratic lawmakers labeled by the president as involved in “seditious behavior” have claimed that the president is employing the FBI against them as a “tool to intimidate and harass members of Congress.”
The group of four politicians, along with two additional members, had created a video urging American troops to resist unlawful orders – a message that angered Trump, who posted on social media that the individuals were “disloyal citizens” and thus could be jailed or even be subject to capital punishment.
A statement, issued by congressional lawmakers Jason Crow, the Pennsylvania representatives, and Maggie Goodlander, confirmed that the FBI had contacted the House and Senate sergeants at arms requesting discussions with them.
“Regardless of any pressure or threats will ever stop us from doing our jobs and honoring our constitution,” they stated, noting that they had each taken a vow “to support and defend” the Constitution of the United States.
“That oath lasts a lifetime, and we intend to keep it. We will not be bullied. We will not surrender our principles,” they continued.
The statement intensifies a dispute between the president’s team and Democrats, such as the senator from Arizona and former astronaut Mark Kelly and Michigan congresswoman Representative Slotkin, over the recorded appeal, which advised the military and intelligence services members to “refuse illegal orders.”
Slotkin said the counter-terrorism unit of the FBI had notified the group that “they are opening what appears to be an inquiry targeting the six individuals” and characterized the move as a “intimidation strategy” by Trump.
“To be honest, the leader’s response and the use of the FBI against us is precisely the reason we made the video,” she said.
“He believes in using the US government to oppose those he views as opponents, and he’s willing to employ the arms of the government to target dissenters. He fails to accept the law applies to him … which is exactly why we produced the recording, to give people some assurance that they had support as they observe these events develop.”
The US Department of Defense has additionally stated it is performing an examination of misconduct allegations against Kelly that could, it said, result in him being recalled to active duty to undergo a military trial.
