Democrats Allege Trump of ‘Harassment’ Tactic as FBI Requests Meetings
A collection of Democrat lawmakers labeled by Donald Trump as involved in “seditious behavior” have claimed that the president is employing the FBI to target them as a “tool to pressure and threaten congressional representatives.”
The four politicians, along with two others, had created a recorded message urging American troops to resist illegal commands – a statement that provoked Trump, who wrote on online platforms that the individuals were “disloyal citizens” and thus might face imprisonment or even be subject to capital punishment.
A statement, issued by congressional lawmakers the Colorado congressman, the Pennsylvania representatives, and the New Hampshire lawmaker, confirmed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation had reached out to 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 stated, noting that they had each taken a vow “to uphold and protect” the US constitution.
“That oath lasts a lifetime, and we intend to keep it. We refuse to be intimidated. We will never give up the ship,” they continued.
The statement deepens a conflict between the president’s team and Democrats, including Arizona senator and former astronaut Senator Kelly and Michigan congresswoman Representative Slotkin, over the recorded appeal, which advised the military and intelligence services members to “refuse illegal orders.”
Slotkin 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.
“Frankly, the leader’s response and the deployment of the FBI to target us is exactly why we created the message,” she explained.
“He supports utilizing the US 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 law applies to him … which is exactly why we produced the recording, to offer reassurance that they weren’t alone as they watch this stuff unfold.”
The US Department of Defense has also said it is conducting a review of claims of improper behavior involving the senator that could, it said, result in him being recalled to active duty to face court-martial proceedings.
