Democratic lawmakers Allege Trump of ‘Intimidation’ Campaign as FBI Requests Interviews
A group of Democrat lawmakers labeled by the president as engaging in “subversive conduct” have claimed that the president is employing the FBI to target them as a “instrument to pressure and threaten members of Congress.”
The four politicians, together with two additional members, had created a video urging US military service members to resist illegal commands – a statement that provoked Trump, who wrote on social media that the individuals were “traitors” and thus could be jailed or even face the death penalty.
An announcement, issued by congressional lawmakers Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, and the New Hampshire lawmaker, confirmed that the FBI had reached out to the House and Senate sergeants at arms seeking interviews with them.
“No amount of intimidation or harassment will ever prevent us from fulfilling our duties and upholding the Constitution,” they stated, noting that they had each taken a vow “to uphold and protect” the US constitution.
“That commitment is permanent, and we plan to honor it. We will not be bullied. We will not surrender our principles,” they continued.
The statement intensifies a conflict between the Trump administration and Democrats, including the senator from Arizona and former astronaut Mark Kelly and Michigan congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, over the video message, which advised the military and intelligence services members to “disregard unlawful commands.”
The Michigan lawmaker said the FBI’s counter-terrorism division had informed the lawmakers 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.
“To be honest, the president’s reaction and the use of the FBI against us is precisely the reason we made the video,” she explained.
“He supports utilizing the federal government against his perceived adversaries, and he’s willing to employ the government agencies against people he disagrees with. He fails to accept the rules govern his actions … which is precisely the reason we made the video, to offer reassurance that they weren’t alone as they watch this stuff unfold.”
The US Department of Defense has additionally stated it is conducting a review of misconduct allegations against Kelly that might, it said, lead to his return to military service to face court-martial proceedings.