Democrats Accuse Trump of ‘Intimidation’ Campaign as FBI Requests Meetings
A collection of Democratic lawmakers labeled by Donald Trump as involved in “subversive conduct” have claimed that the US leader is employing the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to target them as a “tool to intimidate and harass members of Congress.”
The group of four elected officials, together with two others, had produced a video urging US military service members to disobey unlawful orders – a statement that provoked Trump, who posted on social media that the group were “traitors” and thus might face imprisonment or even be subject to capital punishment.
An announcement, issued by US representatives Jason Crow, the Pennsylvania representatives, and the New Hampshire lawmaker, verified that the FBI had contacted the Congressional security officials seeking interviews with them.
“No amount of intimidation or harassment 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 US constitution.
“That commitment is permanent, and we plan to honor it. We refuse to be intimidated. We will never give up the ship,” they continued.
The statement deepens a dispute between the president’s team and Democrats, including Arizona senator and ex-astronaut Mark Kelly and Michigan congresswoman Representative Slotkin, over the video message, which advised 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 opening what appears to be an investigation targeting the six individuals” and characterized 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 explained.
“He supports utilizing the federal government to oppose those he views as opponents, and he’s willing to employ the government agencies against people he disagrees with. 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 Pentagon has additionally stated it is conducting a review of claims of improper behavior against Kelly that might, it indicated, result in him being recalled to active duty to face court-martial proceedings.
