Democratic lawmakers Accuse Trump of ‘Intimidation’ Campaign as FBI Seeks Interviews
A group of Democratic lawmakers labeled by the president as engaging in “seditious behavior” have claimed that the US leader is using the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) against them as a “instrument to intimidate and harass congressional representatives.”
The four politicians, together with two others, had produced a video encouraging US military service members to resist unlawful orders – a statement that provoked Trump, who wrote on online platforms that the group were “traitors” and thus could be jailed or even be subject to capital punishment.
A statement, issued by congressional lawmakers Jason Crow, the Pennsylvania representatives, and the New Hampshire lawmaker, confirmed that the FBI had reached out to the Congressional security officials requesting discussions 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 oath lasts a lifetime, and we plan to honor it. We refuse to be intimidated. We will never give up the ship,” they added.
The statement deepens a dispute between the Trump administration and Democratic leaders, including the senator from Arizona and ex-astronaut Mark Kelly and the Michigan representative Representative Slotkin, over the recorded appeal, which advised the armed forces and intelligence personnel to “disregard unlawful commands.”
The Michigan lawmaker said the counter-terrorism unit of the FBI had informed the lawmakers that “they are opening what appears to be an investigation targeting the six individuals” and characterized the move as a “intimidation strategy” by Trump.
“Frankly, the leader’s response and the use of the FBI against us is precisely the reason we made the video,” she explained.
“He believes in using the US government against his perceived adversaries, and he’s willing to employ the government agencies against people he disagrees with. He fails to accept the law applies to him … which is precisely the reason we made the video, to offer reassurance that they weren’t alone as they observe these events develop.”
The US Department of Defense has also said it is performing an examination of claims of improper behavior against Kelly that could, it indicated, lead to his return to military service to face court-martial proceedings.
