Democrats Allege Trump of ‘Intimidation’ Campaign as FBI Requests Meetings
A group of Democrat lawmakers labeled by Donald Trump as engaging in “seditious behavior” have claimed that the US leader is using the FBI against them as a “tool to intimidate and harass congressional representatives.”
The four politicians, together with two additional members, had produced a video encouraging American troops to resist illegal commands – a statement that provoked Trump, who wrote on online platforms that the individuals were “disloyal citizens” and thus might face imprisonment or even face the death penalty.
An announcement, released by US representatives the Colorado congressman, the Pennsylvania representatives, and the New Hampshire lawmaker, verified that the Federal Bureau of Investigation had reached out to the Congressional security officials requesting interviews with them.
“Regardless of any pressure or threats will ever stop us from doing our jobs and honoring our constitution,” they said, noting that they had each taken a vow “to uphold and protect” 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 declaration deepens a conflict between the president’s team and Democrats, including Arizona senator and ex-astronaut Senator Kelly and Michigan congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, over the video message, which urged the military and intelligence services members to “disregard unlawful commands.”
Slotkin said the counter-terrorism unit of the FBI had informed the lawmakers that “they are opening what appears to be an investigation targeting the six individuals” and described the move as a “scare tactic” by Trump.
“Frankly, the leader’s response and the deployment of the FBI to target us is precisely the reason we made the video,” she said.
“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 to target dissenters. He fails to accept the rules govern his actions … which is precisely the reason we made the video, to give people some assurance that they weren’t alone as they observe these events develop.”
The Pentagon has also said it is conducting a review of misconduct allegations involving the senator that could, it indicated, lead to his return to military service to face court-martial proceedings.
