Democrats Accuse Trump of ‘Intimidation’ Tactic as FBI Seeks Meetings
A collection of Democratic lawmakers labeled by Donald Trump as engaging in “seditious behavior” have claimed that the US leader is using the FBI to target them as a “instrument to intimidate and harass congressional representatives.”
The group of four elected officials, together with two additional members, had produced a video encouraging American troops to resist unlawful orders – a message that angered Trump, who wrote on social media that the group were “disloyal citizens” and thus could be jailed or even face the death penalty.
An announcement, released by US representatives Jason Crow, 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 prevent us from fulfilling our duties and upholding the Constitution,” they said, adding that they had each taken a vow “to support and defend” the US constitution.
“That oath lasts a lifetime, 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 Trump administration and Democrats, such as the senator from Arizona and ex-astronaut Senator Kelly and the Michigan representative Representative Slotkin, over the recorded appeal, which urged the military and intelligence services members to “disregard unlawful commands.”
Slotkin said the FBI’s counter-terrorism division had informed the group that “they are opening what seems like an investigation against the six of us” and characterized the action 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 explained.
“He believes in using 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 does not believe the law applies to him … which is precisely the reason we made the video, to offer reassurance that they weren’t alone as they watch this stuff unfold.”
The US Department of Defense has additionally stated it is performing an examination of misconduct allegations involving the senator that might, it said, lead to his return to military service to undergo a military trial.
