Democratic lawmakers Accuse Trump of ‘Harassment’ Tactic as FBI Seeks Interviews
A collection of Democrat lawmakers labeled by Donald Trump as engaging in “seditious behavior” have asserted that the president is employing the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to target them as a “instrument to pressure and threaten members of Congress.”
The four politicians, together with two others, had created a recorded message urging American troops to resist illegal commands – a statement that angered Trump, who posted on online platforms that the individuals were “traitors” and thus could be jailed or even be subject to capital punishment.
An announcement, issued by congressional lawmakers Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, and Maggie Goodlander, confirmed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation had reached out to the House and Senate sergeants at arms requesting discussions with them.
“Regardless of any pressure or threats will ever prevent us from fulfilling our duties and upholding the Constitution,” they stated, noting that they had each taken a vow “to uphold and protect” the US constitution.
“That commitment is permanent, and we plan to honor it. We will not be bullied. We will never give up the ship,” they added.
The declaration intensifies a dispute between the Trump administration and Democratic leaders, such as Arizona senator and ex-astronaut Mark Kelly and Michigan congresswoman Representative Slotkin, over the recorded appeal, which advised the armed forces and intelligence personnel to “refuse illegal orders.”
The Michigan lawmaker said the counter-terrorism unit of the FBI had informed the group that “they are opening what appears to be an investigation against the six of us” and described the move as a “intimidation strategy” by Trump.
“To be honest, the leader’s response and the use of the FBI against us is precisely the reason we created the message,” she said.
“He believes in using the US government against his perceived adversaries, and he’s not afraid to use the government agencies against people he disagrees with. He fails to accept the rules govern his actions … which is exactly why we produced the recording, to offer reassurance that they had support as they observe these events develop.”
The US Department of Defense has additionally stated it is performing an examination of claims of improper behavior against Kelly that could, it said, lead to his return to military service to undergo a military trial.
