Democratic lawmakers Accuse Trump of ‘Intimidation’ Campaign as FBI Seeks Interviews
A group of Democrat politicians labeled by the president as engaging in “seditious behavior” have claimed that the president is using the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) against them as a “instrument to pressure and threaten congressional representatives.”
The four elected officials, along with two additional members, had produced a video urging American troops 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 be subject to capital punishment.
A statement, issued by US representatives Jason Crow, the Pennsylvania representatives, and the New Hampshire lawmaker, verified that the FBI had contacted the Congressional security officials requesting interviews with them.
“Regardless of any pressure or threats will ever stop us from doing our jobs and honoring our constitution,” they stated, noting that they had each taken a vow “to support and defend” the Constitution of the United States.
“That commitment is permanent, and we plan to honor it. We will not be bullied. We will never give up the ship,” they added.
The declaration deepens a dispute between the president’s team and Democrats, including Arizona senator and former astronaut Mark Kelly and Michigan congresswoman Representative Slotkin, over the video message, which advised the armed forces and intelligence personnel to “disregard unlawful commands.”
The Michigan lawmaker said the FBI’s counter-terrorism division had notified the group that “they are initiating what appears to be an investigation against the six of us” and characterized the action as a “intimidation strategy” by Trump.
“Frankly, the president’s reaction and the deployment of the FBI to target us is exactly why we made the video,” she explained.
“He supports utilizing the US government to oppose those he views as opponents, and he’s willing to employ the government agencies to target dissenters. He does not believe the rules govern his actions … which is precisely the reason we produced the recording, to offer reassurance that they weren’t alone as they watch this stuff unfold.”
The Pentagon has additionally stated it is performing an examination of claims of improper behavior against Kelly that could, it said, lead to his return to military service to undergo a military trial.
