Democrats Accuse Trump of ‘Intimidation’ Tactic as FBI Seeks Meetings
A collection of Democratic politicians labeled by the president as engaging in “seditious behavior” have asserted that the president is using the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) against them as a “instrument to pressure and threaten members of Congress.”
The group of four elected officials, together with two additional members, had created a video encouraging American troops to disobey unlawful orders – a statement that angered Trump, who wrote on social media that the individuals were “traitors” and thus might face imprisonment or even be subject to capital punishment.
An announcement, issued by congressional lawmakers the Colorado congressman, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, and Maggie Goodlander, 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 uphold and protect” the US constitution.
“That oath lasts a lifetime, and we intend to keep it. We will not be bullied. We will never give up the ship,” they continued.
The declaration deepens a dispute between the Trump administration and Democratic leaders, including the senator from Arizona and former astronaut Senator Kelly and Michigan congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, over the video message, which urged the armed forces and intelligence personnel to “refuse illegal orders.”
Slotkin said the counter-terrorism unit of the FBI had notified the lawmakers that “they are opening 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 said.
“He believes in using the US government to oppose those he views as opponents, and he’s not afraid to use the government agencies against people he disagrees with. He does not believe the rules govern his actions … which is exactly why we produced the recording, to offer reassurance that they had support as they watch this stuff unfold.”
The US Department of Defense has additionally stated it is conducting a review of misconduct allegations against Kelly that could, it indicated, lead to his return to military service to face court-martial proceedings.
