Democratic lawmakers Allege Trump of ‘Harassment’ Tactic as FBI Seeks Interviews
A collection of Democratic lawmakers labeled by the president as involved in “subversive conduct” have asserted that the president is employing the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to target them as a “instrument to intimidate and harass members of Congress.”
The four elected officials, along with two additional members, had produced a video encouraging US military service members to resist unlawful orders – a statement that provoked Trump, who wrote on social media that the group were “traitors” and thus might face imprisonment or even face the death penalty.
An announcement, released by US representatives Jason Crow, the Pennsylvania representatives, and the New Hampshire lawmaker, confirmed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation had contacted the Congressional security officials seeking discussions with them.
“Regardless of any pressure or threats will ever stop us from doing our jobs and upholding the Constitution,” they said, noting that they had each taken a vow “to support and defend” the Constitution of the United States.
“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 deepens a dispute between the president’s team and Democrats, such as the senator from Arizona and former astronaut Senator Kelly and the Michigan representative Elissa Slotkin, over the recorded appeal, which advised the armed forces and intelligence personnel to “refuse illegal orders.”
Slotkin said the FBI’s counter-terrorism division had notified the lawmakers that “they are opening what seems like an investigation targeting the six individuals” and described the action as a “scare tactic” by Trump.
“Frankly, the president’s reaction and the use of the FBI against us is precisely the reason we made the video,” 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 does not believe the law applies to him … which is exactly why we produced the recording, to offer reassurance that they weren’t alone as they observe these events develop.”
The US Department of Defense has additionally stated it is performing an examination of misconduct allegations involving the senator that might, it indicated, lead to his return to military service to face court-martial proceedings.
