Democratic lawmakers Allege Trump of ‘Intimidation’ Tactic as FBI Requests Meetings
A collection of Democrat lawmakers branded by the president as engaging in “subversive conduct” have claimed that the US leader is employing the FBI against them as a “tool to intimidate and harass congressional representatives.”
The four politicians, along with two additional members, had created a recorded message urging US military service members to disobey unlawful orders – a statement that provoked Trump, who wrote on social media that the individuals were “traitors” and thus could be jailed or even face the death penalty.
A statement, issued by congressional lawmakers the Colorado congressman, the Pennsylvania representatives, and the New Hampshire lawmaker, verified that the FBI had contacted the House and Senate sergeants at arms requesting interviews with them.
“No amount of intimidation or harassment will ever prevent us from fulfilling our duties and honoring our constitution,” they said, noting that they had each sworn an oath “to uphold and protect” the US constitution.
“That commitment is permanent, and we intend to keep it. We refuse to be intimidated. We will not surrender our principles,” they added.
The declaration deepens a dispute between the Trump administration and Democrats, such as 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 “disregard unlawful commands.”
Slotkin said the counter-terrorism unit of the FBI had informed the lawmakers that “they are opening what seems like an investigation against the six of us” and characterized the action as a “scare tactic” by Trump.
“To be honest, the president’s reaction and the use of the FBI against us is precisely the reason we made the video,” 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 rules govern his actions … which is exactly why we made the video, to offer reassurance that they weren’t alone as they observe these events develop.”
The US Department of Defense has also said it is performing an examination of claims of improper behavior against Kelly that might, it said, result in him being recalled to active duty to face court-martial proceedings.
