Democratic lawmakers Allege Trump of ‘Harassment’ Campaign as FBI Requests Meetings
A group of Democratic politicians labeled by the president as involved in “seditious behavior” have claimed that the US leader is employing the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to target them as a “tool to intimidate and harass congressional representatives.”
The four elected officials, together with two additional members, had produced a recorded message encouraging American troops to resist unlawful orders – a message that provoked Trump, who posted on online platforms that the group were “traitors” and thus might face imprisonment or even be subject to capital punishment.
A statement, issued by US representatives Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, and the New Hampshire lawmaker, verified that the Federal Bureau of Investigation had reached out to the Congressional security officials 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 sworn an oath “to uphold and protect” the US constitution.
“That oath lasts a lifetime, and we intend to keep it. We will not be bullied. We will not surrender our principles,” they added.
The declaration intensifies a dispute between the Trump administration and Democrats, including the senator from Arizona and ex-astronaut Mark Kelly and Michigan congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, over the recorded appeal, which advised the military and intelligence services members 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 against the six of us” and characterized the action as a “scare tactic” by Trump.
“Frankly, the leader’s response and the use of the FBI against us is precisely the reason we created the message,” she said.
“He supports utilizing the federal government against his perceived adversaries, and he’s not afraid to use the arms of the government to target dissenters. He does not believe the law applies to him … which is precisely the reason we produced the recording, to offer reassurance that they had support as they watch this stuff unfold.”
The Pentagon has additionally stated it is conducting a review of misconduct allegations against Kelly that might, it indicated, result in him being recalled to active duty to face court-martial proceedings.
