Democratic lawmakers Allege Trump of ‘Intimidation’ Tactic as FBI Requests Interviews
A group of Democrat politicians labeled by Donald Trump as engaging in “seditious behavior” have claimed that the president is employing the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) against them as a “instrument to pressure and threaten congressional representatives.”
The group of four politicians, along with two additional members, had created a video urging American troops to disobey unlawful orders – a message that provoked Trump, who posted on online platforms that the individuals were “traitors” and thus could be jailed or even be subject to capital punishment.
A statement, issued by US representatives the Colorado congressman, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, and the New Hampshire lawmaker, confirmed that the FBI had contacted the House and Senate sergeants at arms requesting interviews with them.
“No amount of intimidation or harassment will ever stop us from doing our jobs and upholding the Constitution,” they stated, noting that they had each taken a vow “to uphold and protect” the Constitution of the United States.
“That oath lasts a lifetime, and we plan to honor it. We will not be bullied. We will never give up the ship,” they added.
The statement deepens a dispute between the Trump administration and Democrats, including Arizona senator and former astronaut Mark Kelly and the Michigan representative Representative Slotkin, over the video message, which advised the armed forces and intelligence personnel to “disregard unlawful commands.”
Slotkin said the counter-terrorism unit of the FBI had informed the lawmakers that “they are opening what seems like an inquiry targeting the six individuals” and described the move as a “scare tactic” by Trump.
“To be honest, the leader’s response and the deployment of the FBI to target us is exactly why we made the video,” she said.
“He believes in using the federal government against his perceived adversaries, and he’s willing to employ the government agencies to target dissenters. He fails to accept the rules govern his actions … which is precisely the reason 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 performing an examination of misconduct allegations against Kelly that could, it said, lead to his return to military service to face court-martial proceedings.
