Democrats Accuse Trump of ‘Harassment’ Tactic as FBI Seeks Meetings
A collection of Democratic politicians branded by Donald Trump as involved in “seditious behavior” have claimed that the president is employing the FBI to target them as a “tool to pressure and threaten members of Congress.”
The four elected officials, together with two additional members, had created a recorded message encouraging US military service members to disobey illegal commands – a statement that angered Trump, who wrote on online platforms that the individuals were “traitors” and thus could be jailed or even face the death penalty.
A statement, issued by congressional lawmakers the Colorado congressman, the Pennsylvania representatives, and the New Hampshire lawmaker, confirmed that the FBI had reached out to the Congressional security officials seeking interviews with them.
“Regardless of any pressure or threats will ever stop us from doing our jobs and upholding the Constitution,” they said, adding that they had each taken a vow “to support and defend” the US constitution.
“That commitment is permanent, and we intend to keep it. We will not be bullied. We will not surrender our principles,” they continued.
The declaration intensifies a conflict between the president’s team and Democrats, including Arizona senator and ex-astronaut Mark Kelly and Michigan congresswoman Representative Slotkin, over the video message, which advised the military and intelligence services members to “refuse illegal orders.”
The Michigan lawmaker said the FBI’s counter-terrorism division had informed the lawmakers that “they are opening what appears to be an inquiry against the six of us” and characterized the move as a “scare tactic” by Trump.
“Frankly, the president’s reaction and the use of the FBI against us is precisely the reason we made the video,” she explained.
“He supports utilizing the federal government to oppose those he views as opponents, and he’s not afraid to use the arms of the government against people he disagrees with. He fails to accept the law applies to him … which is exactly why we made the video, to offer reassurance that they weren’t alone as they observe these events develop.”
The US Department of Defense has also said it is performing an examination of misconduct allegations involving the senator that might, it indicated, lead to his return to military service to face court-martial proceedings.