Democrats Accuse Trump of ‘Intimidation’ Tactic as FBI Seeks Interviews
A collection of Democrat lawmakers labeled by Donald Trump 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 group of four elected officials, along with two others, had produced a video encouraging US military service members to resist unlawful orders – a message that provoked Trump, who posted on online platforms that the group were “disloyal citizens” and thus might face imprisonment or even be subject to capital punishment.
An announcement, issued by congressional lawmakers Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, and Maggie Goodlander, confirmed that the FBI had contacted the Congressional security officials requesting discussions with them.
“No amount of intimidation or harassment will ever stop us from doing our jobs and honoring our constitution,” they said, noting that they had each taken a vow “to support and defend” the US constitution.
“That oath lasts a lifetime, and we plan to honor it. We refuse to be intimidated. We will not surrender our principles,” they continued.
The statement intensifies a dispute between the Trump administration and Democratic leaders, such as the senator from Arizona and ex-astronaut Mark Kelly and the Michigan representative Elissa Slotkin, over the recorded appeal, which urged the military and intelligence services members to “refuse illegal orders.”
The Michigan lawmaker said the counter-terrorism unit of the FBI had informed the group that “they are initiating what seems like an investigation targeting the six individuals” and characterized 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 created the message,” 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 to target dissenters. He fails to accept the rules govern his actions … which is exactly why we produced the recording, to give people some assurance that they had support as they watch this stuff unfold.”
The Pentagon has additionally stated it is performing an examination of misconduct allegations involving the senator that could, it indicated, result in him being recalled to active duty to face court-martial proceedings.
