Democrats Allege Trump of ‘Intimidation’ Tactic as FBI Requests Meetings
A group of Democratic lawmakers branded by the president as engaging in “seditious behavior” have asserted that the US leader is using the FBI against them as a “instrument to intimidate and harass members of Congress.”
The group of four elected officials, along with two additional members, had created a video urging US military service members to resist unlawful orders – a message that angered Trump, who posted on online platforms that the individuals were “disloyal citizens” and thus could be jailed or even be subject to capital punishment.
A statement, released by congressional lawmakers Jason Crow, the Pennsylvania representatives, and the New Hampshire lawmaker, verified that the Federal Bureau of Investigation had reached out to the Congressional security officials requesting discussions with them.
“No amount of intimidation or harassment will ever prevent us from fulfilling our duties and upholding the Constitution,” they said, noting that they had each taken a vow “to uphold and protect” the US constitution.
“That oath lasts a lifetime, and we plan to honor it. We refuse to be intimidated. We will never give up the ship,” they added.
The statement intensifies a conflict between the president’s team and Democrats, such as the senator from Arizona and former astronaut Senator Kelly and the Michigan representative Elissa Slotkin, over the recorded appeal, which urged the military and intelligence services members to “disregard unlawful commands.”
The Michigan lawmaker said the counter-terrorism unit of the FBI had informed the group that “they are initiating what appears to be an investigation targeting the six individuals” and characterized the move as a “scare tactic” by Trump.
“Frankly, the president’s reaction and the use of the FBI against us is exactly why we created the message,” she explained.
“He supports utilizing 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 rules govern his actions … which is exactly why 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 misconduct allegations involving the senator that might, it indicated, lead to his return to military service to face court-martial proceedings.
