Democratic lawmakers Accuse Trump of ‘Harassment’ Campaign as FBI Requests Meetings
A collection of Democratic lawmakers labeled by the president as involved in “seditious behavior” have asserted that the president is using the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) against them as a “tool to pressure and threaten members of Congress.”
The group of four elected officials, together with two others, had produced a video encouraging American troops to disobey illegal commands – a message that angered 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, released by US representatives the Colorado congressman, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, and Maggie Goodlander, confirmed that the FBI had contacted the House and Senate sergeants at arms seeking discussions with them.
“Regardless of any pressure or threats will ever prevent us from fulfilling our duties and honoring our constitution,” they stated, adding that they had each taken a vow “to support and defend” the Constitution of the United States.
“That oath lasts a lifetime, and we plan to honor it. We refuse to be intimidated. We will not surrender our principles,” they added.
The statement deepens a conflict between the Trump administration and Democratic leaders, such as the senator from Arizona and ex-astronaut Senator Kelly and Michigan congresswoman Representative Slotkin, over the video message, which advised the military and intelligence services members to “refuse illegal orders.”
Slotkin said the counter-terrorism unit of the FBI had informed the lawmakers that “they are initiating what appears to be an inquiry against the six of us” and characterized the action as a “scare tactic” by Trump.
“To be honest, the president’s reaction and the use of the FBI against us is exactly why we made the video,” she said.
“He supports utilizing the federal government against his perceived adversaries, and he’s willing to employ the government agencies to target dissenters. He does not believe the law applies to him … which is precisely the reason we made the video, to give people some assurance that they had support as they observe these events develop.”
The Pentagon has additionally stated it is performing an examination of misconduct allegations involving the senator that could, it said, result in him being recalled to active duty to face court-martial proceedings.
