Democratic lawmakers Accuse Trump of ‘Harassment’ Tactic as FBI Seeks Meetings
A group of Democratic politicians branded by Donald Trump as involved in “seditious behavior” have asserted that the US leader is using the FBI to target them as a “tool to pressure and threaten members of Congress.”
The four politicians, along with two others, had produced a video encouraging American troops to resist unlawful orders – a message that provoked Trump, who wrote on social media that the group were “traitors” and thus could be jailed or even face the death penalty.
A statement, issued by congressional lawmakers the Colorado congressman, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, and Maggie Goodlander, verified that the FBI had reached out to the House and Senate sergeants at arms seeking interviews 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 uphold and protect” the US constitution.
“That commitment is permanent, and we plan to honor it. We refuse to be intimidated. We will never give up the ship,” they continued.
The declaration deepens a conflict between the president’s team and Democrats, including Arizona senator and ex-astronaut Senator Kelly and Michigan congresswoman Representative Slotkin, over the video message, which urged the military and intelligence services members to “disregard unlawful commands.”
Slotkin said the counter-terrorism unit of the FBI had notified the group that “they are opening what seems like an inquiry targeting the six individuals” and characterized the action as a “scare tactic” by Trump.
“Frankly, the president’s reaction and the use of the FBI against us is precisely the reason we created the message,” she said.
“He supports utilizing the US government to oppose those he views as opponents, and he’s not afraid to use the arms of the government to target dissenters. He fails to accept the rules govern his actions … which is exactly why we produced the recording, to offer reassurance that they weren’t alone as they watch this stuff unfold.”
The Pentagon has also said it is conducting a review of claims of improper behavior against Kelly that could, it said, result in him being recalled to active duty to undergo a military trial.
