Democratic lawmakers Allege Trump of ‘Intimidation’ Campaign as FBI Requests Interviews
A group of Democratic lawmakers branded by the president as involved in “seditious behavior” have claimed that the US leader is employing the FBI against them as a “tool to intimidate and harass congressional representatives.”
The four politicians, along with two additional members, had created a video urging US military service members to disobey unlawful orders – a statement that provoked Trump, who posted on online platforms that the group were “traitors” and thus might face imprisonment or even be subject to capital punishment.
A statement, issued by US representatives the Colorado congressman, the Pennsylvania representatives, and Maggie Goodlander, confirmed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation had reached out to the Congressional security officials seeking discussions with them.
“Regardless of any pressure or threats will ever stop us from doing our jobs and upholding the Constitution,” they stated, noting that they had each taken a vow “to support and defend” the Constitution of the United States.
“That commitment is permanent, and we plan to honor it. We will not be bullied. We will never give up the ship,” they added.
The statement deepens a conflict 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 urged the military and intelligence services members to “disregard unlawful commands.”
Slotkin said the FBI’s counter-terrorism division had notified the lawmakers that “they are initiating what seems like an inquiry against the six of us” 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 exactly why we made the video,” she explained.
“He believes in using 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 rules govern his actions … which is exactly why we produced the recording, to offer reassurance that they weren’t alone as they observe these events develop.”
The Pentagon has also said it is performing an examination of misconduct allegations involving the senator that might, it said, result in him being recalled to active duty to undergo a military trial.
