Democrats Allege Trump of ‘Harassment’ Campaign as FBI Requests Meetings
A group of Democrat lawmakers branded 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 “instrument to pressure and threaten members of Congress.”
The four elected officials, along with two additional members, had created a video encouraging US military service members to resist illegal commands – a message that provoked Trump, who posted on social media that the group were “traitors” and thus might face imprisonment or even be subject to capital punishment.
An announcement, issued by congressional lawmakers the Colorado congressman, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, and the New Hampshire lawmaker, confirmed that the FBI 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 taken a vow “to uphold and protect” the US constitution.
“That commitment is permanent, and we plan to honor it. We refuse to be intimidated. We will not surrender our principles,” they continued.
The declaration intensifies a conflict between the Trump administration and Democratic leaders, including the senator from Arizona and former astronaut Mark Kelly and Michigan congresswoman Representative Slotkin, over the recorded appeal, which urged the armed forces and intelligence personnel to “disregard unlawful commands.”
The Michigan lawmaker said the counter-terrorism unit of the FBI had notified the lawmakers that “they are opening what appears to be an inquiry targeting the six individuals” and characterized the action as a “intimidation strategy” by Trump.
“Frankly, the leader’s response and the use of the FBI against us is exactly why 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 rules govern his actions … which is exactly why we produced the recording, to offer reassurance that they weren’t alone as they observe these events develop.”
The US Department of Defense has additionally stated it is conducting a review of misconduct allegations against Kelly that could, it indicated, lead to his return to military service to face court-martial proceedings.
