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Democratic officials expressed anger after Donald Trump alleged a group of Democratic congress members of being "betrayers" and asserted they should be detained and sentenced "by death" following their publication of a disputed video.

The Message That Sparked the Controversy

The video footage, released on earlier this week, showcases six Democratic elected officials who previously served in military or intelligence capacities.

"Like us, you all swore an pledge to defend and uphold this constitution," the officials declared in the 90-second video. "Currently, the threats to our democratic foundation are not only from abroad, but from within our own country. Our laws are clear, you can decline unlawful commands, you can refuse improper directives, you have to refuse illegal orders. No one has to follow orders that violate the statutes or our constitution."

The Former President's Angry Reaction

The recorded statement reportedly provoke a angry reply from the former president.

On Thursday morning, Trump posted on Truth Social: "This represents SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL. Each one of these betrayers to our United States should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL."

In an additional publication, he stated: "This constitutes really serious, and Harmful to our United States. Their statements cannot be enabled to remain. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???"

In a additional publication, he added: "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, liable by DEATH!" He also shared a declaration that stated: "HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !!"

Democratic Leaders Answer

Following Trump's comments on Thursday, Democratic leadership released a joint declaration denouncing the statements.

"Violent politics has no place in this nation," they wrote. "Congress members who were featured in the video all worked our country with tremendous patriotism and honor. We unequivocally denounce Donald Trump's offensive and risky threats of violence against members of Congress, and appeal to House Republicans to vigorously do the same."

The Democratic leaders also stated that they had been in contact with security officials "to guarantee the protection of these representatives and their loved ones."

"Donald Trump must immediately remove these radical digital publications and retract his aggressive rhetoric before he causes harm," the announcement continued.

Officials' Defiant Reaction

The lawmakers who appeared in the video also published a statement.

"We identify as veterans and defense specialists who love this United States and swore an vow to defend and support the national charter of the United States," they declared. "This commitment lasts a lifetime, and we intend to keep it. No warning, intimidation, or promotion of aggression will prevent us from that important responsibility."

"What's most telling is that the ex-president views it liable to punishment by capital punishment for us to restate the legal requirements," they continued. "Armed forces members should recognize that we have their backs as they fulfill their vow to the founding principles and responsibility to adhere to only proper directives. It is not only the right thing to do, but also our responsibility."

They stated: "The entire nation must unite and censure the ex-president's requests for our murder and political violence. This is a moment for ethical certainty."

More Partisan Comments

The Opposition leader also condemned Trump's comments and posted on social media: "It's important to understand: the former president is demanding the execution of elected officials."

He continued: "This represents an outright THREAT. All senators, each house member, every American – regardless of party – should censure this without delay and unconditionally."

The Conservative official supported Trump's claim that the Democrats had participated in "rebellion", describing the video as "extremely improper", adding: "It is very dangerous, you have leading members of Congress instructing troops to ignore directives, I think that represents unprecedented in the nation's past."

The Republican leader also allegedly stated to media outlets that in what he examined of Trump's messages, Trump was "defining the violation of sedition" but that "attorneys have to parse the terminology and determine all that."

Administration Statement

During a administration briefing on Thursday afternoon, when asked by a reporter, "Would the president want to execute elected officials?", the executive branch representative replied: "No."

"It's important to note about what the ex-commander in chief is addressing," the official stated. "We see sitting members of the federal government who worked together to arrange a digital communication to personnel of the national defense, to active duty service members advising them to defy the executive's legal commands."

She said: "The sanctity of our defense system rests on the command structure, and if that structure is compromised, it can lead to people getting killed, it can result in disorder, and that's what these elected officials ... are essentially supporting."