Democratic lawmakers Accuse Trump of ‘Intimidation’ Tactic as FBI Seeks Interviews
A group of Democratic politicians branded by Donald Trump as engaging in “seditious behavior” have claimed that the US leader is using the FBI to target them as a “instrument to intimidate and harass members of Congress.”
The four politicians, together with two additional members, had produced a video urging US military service members to resist illegal commands – a message that provoked Trump, who wrote on online platforms that the individuals were “traitors” and thus might face imprisonment or even face the death penalty.
A statement, issued by US representatives the Colorado congressman, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, and Maggie Goodlander, confirmed that the FBI had reached out to the Congressional security officials seeking interviews with them.
“No amount of intimidation or harassment will ever prevent us from fulfilling our duties and honoring our constitution,” they stated, adding that they had each taken a vow “to support and defend” the US constitution.
“That commitment is permanent, and we intend to keep it. We will not be bullied. We will not surrender our principles,” they continued.
The statement deepens a dispute between the president’s team and Democratic leaders, such as the senator from Arizona and ex-astronaut Mark Kelly and Michigan congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, over the video message, which advised the armed forces and intelligence personnel to “refuse illegal orders.”
The Michigan lawmaker said the FBI’s counter-terrorism division had notified the lawmakers that “they are initiating what seems like an investigation targeting the six individuals” and characterized the move as a “intimidation strategy” by Trump.
“Frankly, the president’s reaction and the use of the FBI against us is precisely the reason we created the message,” she explained.
“He believes in using the US government against his perceived adversaries, and he’s willing to employ the arms of the government to target dissenters. 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 had support as they watch this stuff unfold.”
The US Department of Defense has also said it is performing an examination of claims of improper behavior against Kelly that might, it said, lead to his return to military service to face court-martial proceedings.
