Democratic lawmakers Allege Trump of ‘Intimidation’ Tactic as FBI Requests Meetings
A collection of Democrat politicians labeled by Donald Trump as involved in “subversive conduct” have asserted that the US leader is employing the FBI against them as a “tool to pressure and threaten congressional representatives.”
The four politicians, together with two additional members, had created a video urging American troops to disobey illegal commands – a message that angered Trump, who posted on social media that the group were “traitors” and thus could be jailed or even face the death penalty.
An announcement, released by US representatives Jason Crow, the Pennsylvania representatives, and Maggie Goodlander, confirmed that the FBI had contacted the House and Senate sergeants at arms seeking interviews with them.
“No amount of intimidation or harassment will ever prevent us from fulfilling our duties and upholding the Constitution,” they said, noting that they had each sworn an oath “to support and defend” the US constitution.
“That commitment is permanent, and we intend to keep it. We refuse to be intimidated. We will never give up the ship,” they continued.
The statement intensifies a dispute between the president’s team and Democrats, including the senator from Arizona and former astronaut Mark 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 informed the group that “they are initiating what seems like an investigation targeting the six individuals” and described 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 created the message,” she said.
“He believes in using the US government against his perceived adversaries, and he’s not afraid to use the arms of the government to target dissenters. He fails to accept the law applies to him … which is precisely the reason we produced the recording, to offer reassurance that they weren’t alone as they watch this stuff unfold.”
The US Department of Defense has additionally stated it is conducting a review of misconduct allegations involving the senator that might, it said, result in him being recalled to active duty to face court-martial proceedings.