Democratic lawmakers Allege Trump of ‘Intimidation’ Campaign as FBI Requests Interviews
A collection of Democratic politicians labeled by Donald Trump as involved in “subversive conduct” have asserted that the US leader is employing the FBI to target them as a “tool to intimidate and harass members of Congress.”
The four elected officials, along with two additional members, had created a video urging American troops to disobey unlawful orders – a message that provoked Trump, who posted on online platforms that the individuals were “traitors” and thus might face imprisonment or even face the death penalty.
An announcement, issued by congressional lawmakers the Colorado congressman, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, and the New Hampshire lawmaker, verified that the Federal Bureau of Investigation 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 honoring our constitution,” they stated, adding that they had each taken a vow “to support and defend” the Constitution of the United States.
“That oath lasts a lifetime, and we intend to keep it. We will not be bullied. We will not surrender our principles,” they continued.
The declaration deepens a dispute between the president’s team and Democratic leaders, such as Arizona senator and former astronaut Mark Kelly and Michigan congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, over the recorded appeal, which urged the military and intelligence services members to “refuse illegal orders.”
Slotkin 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 described the move as a “intimidation strategy” by Trump.
“To be honest, 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 US government against his perceived adversaries, and he’s willing to employ the arms of the government to target dissenters. He fails to accept the law applies to him … which is precisely the reason we produced the recording, to offer reassurance that they weren’t alone as they observe these events develop.”
The Pentagon has additionally stated it is performing an examination of claims of improper behavior involving the senator that might, it said, lead to his return to military service to face court-martial proceedings.
