Democratic lawmakers Accuse Trump of ‘Intimidation’ Tactic as FBI Requests Interviews
A group of Democrat lawmakers labeled by the president as involved in “subversive conduct” have asserted that the US leader is employing the FBI to target them as a “tool to pressure and threaten congressional representatives.”
The group of four elected officials, along with two additional members, had created a recorded message urging US military service members to disobey illegal commands – a statement that provoked Trump, who wrote on social media that the individuals were “traitors” and thus might face imprisonment or even face the death penalty.
An announcement, released by US representatives the Colorado congressman, the Pennsylvania representatives, and Maggie Goodlander, confirmed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation had reached out to the Congressional security officials requesting discussions with them.
“No amount of intimidation or harassment will ever prevent us from fulfilling our duties and upholding the Constitution,” they stated, noting that they had each sworn an oath “to support and defend” the US constitution.
“That commitment is permanent, and we plan to honor it. We will not be bullied. We will never give up the ship,” they continued.
The statement deepens a dispute between the Trump administration and Democratic leaders, including Arizona senator and ex-astronaut Mark Kelly and the Michigan representative Elissa Slotkin, over the video message, which advised the military and intelligence services members to “disregard unlawful commands.”
The Michigan lawmaker said the FBI’s counter-terrorism division had informed the group that “they are opening what appears to be an investigation targeting the six individuals” and characterized the action as a “scare tactic” by Trump.
“Frankly, 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 against his perceived adversaries, and he’s not afraid to use the government agencies against people he disagrees with. 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 against Kelly that could, it indicated, result in him being recalled to active duty to undergo a military trial.
