Democratic lawmakers Allege Trump of ‘Intimidation’ Campaign as FBI Seeks Interviews
A group of Democrat lawmakers labeled by Donald Trump as engaging in “subversive conduct” have claimed that the president is using the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) against them as a “instrument to pressure and threaten members of Congress.”
The four politicians, together with two additional members, had created a recorded message encouraging American troops to resist unlawful orders – a message that provoked Trump, who posted on social media that the group were “disloyal citizens” and thus might face imprisonment or even face the death penalty.
A statement, released by congressional lawmakers the Colorado congressman, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, and the New Hampshire lawmaker, verified that the Federal Bureau of Investigation had reached out to the Congressional security officials seeking interviews with them.
“Regardless of any pressure or threats will ever stop us from doing our jobs and honoring our constitution,” they stated, noting that they had each sworn an oath “to uphold and protect” the Constitution of the United States.
“That oath lasts a lifetime, and we intend to keep it. We will not be bullied. We will never give up the ship,” they added.
The statement deepens a dispute between the president’s team and Democrats, such as Arizona senator and former astronaut Senator 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 lawmakers that “they are opening what seems like an investigation targeting the six individuals” and described the move as a “intimidation strategy” by Trump.
“Frankly, the leader’s response and the use of the FBI against us is precisely the reason we made the video,” she explained.
“He believes in using the federal government to oppose those he views as opponents, and he’s not afraid to use the arms of the government against people he disagrees with. He does not believe the rules govern his actions … which is precisely the reason we produced the recording, to give people some assurance that they weren’t alone as they observe these events develop.”
The Pentagon has also said it is conducting a review of misconduct allegations involving the senator that might, it indicated, lead to his return to military service to face court-martial proceedings.
