Democratic lawmakers Allege Trump of ‘Intimidation’ Tactic as FBI Requests Interviews
A group of Democrat politicians labeled by Donald Trump as involved in “seditious behavior” have claimed that the US leader is employing the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to target them as a “tool to intimidate and harass members of Congress.”
The group of four elected officials, along with two additional members, had created a recorded message urging US military service members to resist illegal commands – a message that provoked Trump, who wrote on social media that the group were “disloyal citizens” and thus might face imprisonment or even face the death penalty.
An announcement, issued by US representatives Jason Crow, the Pennsylvania representatives, and the New Hampshire lawmaker, confirmed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation had reached out to the Congressional security officials seeking interviews with them.
“Regardless of any pressure or threats will ever prevent us from fulfilling our duties and honoring our constitution,” they said, adding that they had each sworn an oath “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 added.
The declaration deepens a conflict between the president’s team 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.”
Slotkin said the counter-terrorism unit of the FBI had notified the lawmakers that “they are initiating what seems like an investigation targeting the six individuals” and described the action as a “scare tactic” by Trump.
“Frankly, the president’s reaction and the use of the FBI against us is precisely the reason we created the message,” she said.
“He believes in using the US 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 exactly why 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 conducting a review of claims of improper behavior against Kelly that might, it indicated, result in him being recalled to active duty to face court-martial proceedings.
