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Democratic officials demonstrated anger after the ex-president alleged a group of Democratic representatives of being "traitors" and declared they should be arrested and penalized "through capital punishment" following their publication of a contentious video.

The Message That Sparked the Dispute

The recorded message, released on earlier this week, includes six Democratic lawmakers who formerly served in armed forces or intelligence roles.

"Similar to us, you all made an vow to defend and support this national charter," the lawmakers stated in the brief video. "At present, the dangers to our democratic foundation are not only from abroad, but from within our own country. Our statutes are explicit, you can decline illegal orders, you can reject illegal orders, you have to refuse illegal orders. No one has to follow directives that break the legal system or our constitution."

Trump's Incensed Response

The recorded statement seemed to provoke a furious reply from the previous commander-in-chief.

On the following morning, Trump published on his preferred platform: "It's called SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL. Each one of these turncoats to our Nation should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL."

In a separate message, he wrote: "This constitutes really bad, and Harmful to our United States. Their statements cannot be enabled to persist. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???"

In a additional post, he stated: "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, liable by DEATH!" He also reposted a declaration that read: "HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !!"

Opposition Leaders Respond

Following Trump's statements on that day, House Democratic leader released a unified announcement censuring the statements.

"Partisan aggression has no position in America," they wrote. "Representatives who participated in the video all acted our United States with great patriotism and honor. We clearly censure Donald Trump's appalling and dangerous threats of violence against congressional representatives, and appeal to GOP representatives to vigorously do the same."

The Democratic leaders also said that they had been in contact with law enforcement "to make certain the safety of these members and their loved ones."

"Donald Trump must without delay delete these unhinged social media posts and retract his dangerous language before he causes harm," the statement continued.

Lawmakers' Firm Answer

The officials who appeared in the video also issued a response.

"We are former service members and national security professionals who love this United States and took an vow to protect and uphold the national charter of the United States," they stated. "This commitment is permanent, and we aim to keep it. No threat, pressure, or promotion of aggression will prevent us from that sacred obligation."

"What's most telling is that the former president deems it liable to punishment by death for us to repeat the statutes," they added. "Our service members should recognize that we have their backs as they carry out their oath to the founding principles and obligation to adhere to only legal commands. It is not only the right thing to do, but also our responsibility."

They continued: "The entire nation must come together and denounce the president's requests for our murder and political violence. This is a moment for principled stance."

Additional Political Responses

The Senate Democratic leader also denounced Trump's comments and posted on online networks: "It's important to understand: the ex-commander in chief is requesting the capital punishment of public representatives."

He stated: "This represents an direct THREAT. Each congressional member, each house member, every American – irrespective of political affiliation – should denounce this immediately and unconditionally."

The GOP leader defended Trump's claim that the Democrats had engaged in "sedition", characterizing the video as "highly unsuitable", adding: "This represents very dangerous, you have important representatives of Congress instructing soldiers to defy commands, I think that represents without precedent in American history."

The Conservative representative also allegedly informed the press that in what he examined of Trump's messages, Trump was "explaining the offense of sedition" but that "legal experts have to examine the wording and decide all that."

Administration Reaction

During a administration briefing on Thursday afternoon, when inquired by a media member, "Would the president want to kill members of Congress?", the administration spokesperson replied: "No."

"It's important to note about what the ex-commander in chief is responding to," the representative declared. "There are sitting members of the American legislature who coordinated to arrange a video message to members of the US military, to active duty service members advising them to ignore the executive's proper directives."

She said: "The integrity of our defense system rests on the chain of command, and if that structure is compromised, it can lead to people getting killed, it can lead to disorder, and precisely what these congressional representatives ... are basically supporting."