Democrats Accuse Trump of ‘Harassment’ Tactic as FBI Seeks Meetings
A group of Democratic lawmakers branded by the president as involved in “seditious behavior” have asserted that the US leader is employing the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to target them as a “instrument to pressure and threaten congressional representatives.”
The four elected officials, together with two others, had produced a video encouraging American troops to resist unlawful orders – a message that angered Trump, who posted on social media that the group were “traitors” and thus could be jailed or even face the death penalty.
A statement, issued by US representatives the Colorado congressman, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, and the New Hampshire lawmaker, confirmed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation had contacted the Congressional security officials seeking discussions with them.
“No amount of intimidation or harassment will ever prevent us from fulfilling our duties and upholding the Constitution,” they stated, adding that they had each taken a vow “to uphold and protect” the Constitution of the United States.
“That oath lasts a lifetime, and we intend to keep it. We refuse to be intimidated. We will never give up the ship,” they added.
The statement intensifies a conflict between the president’s team and Democratic leaders, such as the senator from Arizona and former 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 counter-terrorism unit of the FBI had informed the lawmakers that “they are initiating what appears to be an inquiry targeting the six individuals” and characterized the move as a “intimidation strategy” by Trump.
“To be honest, the leader’s response and the use of the FBI against us is exactly why we made the video,” she said.
“He supports utilizing the federal government to oppose those he views as opponents, and he’s willing to employ the arms of the government against people he disagrees with. He does not believe the law applies to him … which is exactly why we produced the recording, 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 could, it indicated, result in him being recalled to active duty to undergo a military trial.
