Democratic lawmakers Accuse Trump of ‘Intimidation’ Campaign as FBI Seeks Meetings
A group of Democrat lawmakers labeled by Donald Trump as engaging in “subversive conduct” have claimed that the US leader is employing the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to target them as a “tool to pressure and threaten congressional representatives.”
The group of four elected officials, together with two others, had created a recorded message urging US military service members to resist illegal commands – a message that provoked Trump, who wrote 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 US representatives Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, and the New Hampshire lawmaker, confirmed that the FBI had contacted 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, adding that they had each sworn an oath “to support and defend” the Constitution of the United States.
“That commitment is permanent, and we intend to keep it. We refuse to be intimidated. We will not surrender our principles,” they continued.
The statement deepens a conflict between the Trump administration and Democratic leaders, such as Arizona senator and ex-astronaut Senator Kelly and the Michigan representative Representative Slotkin, over the recorded appeal, which advised the armed forces and intelligence personnel to “disregard unlawful commands.”
The Michigan lawmaker said the counter-terrorism unit of the FBI had informed the lawmakers that “they are initiating what seems like an investigation against the six of us” and characterized the action as a “scare tactic” by Trump.
“To be honest, the president’s reaction and the use of the FBI against us is exactly why we made the video,” she explained.
“He supports utilizing the federal government against his perceived adversaries, and he’s willing to employ the government agencies against people he disagrees with. He does not believe the rules govern his actions … which is precisely the reason we made the video, to offer reassurance that they weren’t alone as they observe these events develop.”
The Pentagon has additionally stated it is conducting a review of claims of improper behavior involving the senator that might, it indicated, lead to his return to military service to face court-martial proceedings.
