Democratic lawmakers Allege Trump of ‘Intimidation’ Campaign as FBI Seeks Meetings
A group of Democratic politicians labeled by the president as engaging in “seditious behavior” have asserted that the president is employing the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) against them as a “instrument to pressure and threaten congressional representatives.”
The group of four politicians, together with two additional members, had produced a video urging US military service members to resist unlawful orders – a statement that angered Trump, who wrote on social media that the individuals were “disloyal citizens” and thus could be jailed or even face the death penalty.
An announcement, released by congressional lawmakers Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, and the New Hampshire lawmaker, verified that the FBI had reached out to the Congressional security officials requesting interviews with them.
“Regardless of any pressure or threats will ever stop us from doing our jobs and upholding the Constitution,” they said, 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 not surrender our principles,” they added.
The statement intensifies a conflict between the Trump administration and Democrats, such as the senator from Arizona and ex-astronaut Senator Kelly and Michigan congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, over the video message, which advised the military and intelligence services members to “disregard unlawful commands.”
Slotkin said the FBI’s counter-terrorism division had notified the group that “they are opening what seems like an inquiry against the six of us” and described the move as a “intimidation strategy” 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 explained.
“He supports utilizing 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 fails to accept the law applies to him … which is exactly why we produced the recording, to offer reassurance that they had support as they observe these events develop.”
The Pentagon has also said it is conducting a review of misconduct allegations against Kelly that could, it said, lead to his return to military service to undergo a military trial.
