Democratic lawmakers Allege Trump of ‘Harassment’ Tactic as FBI Seeks Meetings
A collection of Democratic politicians labeled by Donald Trump as involved in “subversive conduct” have asserted that the president is using the FBI against them as a “tool to intimidate and harass congressional representatives.”
The four elected officials, together with two additional members, had created a video urging American troops to resist unlawful orders – a message 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 US representatives 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 requesting interviews with them.
“Regardless of any pressure or threats will ever prevent us from fulfilling our duties and honoring our constitution,” they said, adding that they had each sworn an oath “to support and defend” the Constitution of the United States.
“That oath lasts a lifetime, and we plan to honor it. We refuse to be intimidated. We will not surrender our principles,” they continued.
The statement intensifies a conflict between the Trump administration and Democratic leaders, such as Arizona senator and ex-astronaut Senator Kelly and Michigan congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, over the recorded appeal, which advised the military and intelligence services members to “disregard unlawful commands.”
The Michigan lawmaker said the FBI’s counter-terrorism division had informed the lawmakers that “they are initiating what appears to be an investigation targeting the six individuals” and described the move as a “scare tactic” by Trump.
“To be honest, the president’s reaction and the use of the FBI against us is exactly why we made the video,” she said.
“He believes in using the federal government to oppose those he views as opponents, and he’s not afraid to use the government agencies to target dissenters. He does not believe the rules govern his actions … which is exactly why we made the video, to offer reassurance that they had support as they watch this stuff unfold.”
The US Department of Defense has also said it is performing an examination of misconduct allegations involving the senator that could, it indicated, lead to his return to military service to face court-martial proceedings.
