Democrats Allege Trump of ‘Intimidation’ Tactic as FBI Seeks Meetings
A collection of Democrat politicians labeled by the president as involved in “seditious behavior” have claimed that the president is employing the FBI against them as a “instrument to pressure and threaten congressional representatives.”
The group of four elected officials, along with two additional members, had produced a recorded message urging US military service members to disobey unlawful orders – a message that angered Trump, who wrote on social media that the group were “disloyal citizens” and thus could be jailed or even be subject to capital punishment.
An announcement, released by US representatives Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, and the New Hampshire lawmaker, verified that the FBI had reached out to the Congressional security officials seeking 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 support and defend” the Constitution of the United States.
“That commitment is permanent, and we plan to honor it. We will not be bullied. We will not surrender our principles,” they added.
The declaration intensifies a conflict between the president’s team and Democratic leaders, including the senator from Arizona and former astronaut Senator Kelly and Michigan congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, over the recorded appeal, which urged the military and intelligence services members to “refuse illegal orders.”
The Michigan lawmaker said the FBI’s counter-terrorism division had informed the lawmakers that “they are initiating what seems like an inquiry against the six of us” and characterized the action as a “scare tactic” by Trump.
“To be honest, the leader’s response and the use of the FBI against us is exactly why we created the message,” she said.
“He supports utilizing the US government to oppose those he views as opponents, 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 made the video, to offer reassurance that they had support as they observe these events develop.”
The Pentagon has also said it is conducting a review of claims of improper behavior against Kelly that could, it said, lead to his return to military service to face court-martial proceedings.
