Democratic lawmakers Allege Trump of ‘Harassment’ Tactic as FBI Requests Meetings
A collection of Democrat lawmakers labeled by Donald Trump as involved in “subversive conduct” have claimed that the US leader is using the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) against them as a “tool to pressure and threaten members of Congress.”
The group of four politicians, along with two additional members, had produced a video urging US military service members to resist illegal commands – a message that angered Trump, who posted on social media 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, the Pennsylvania representatives, and the New Hampshire lawmaker, 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 stop us from doing our jobs and upholding the Constitution,” they stated, noting that they had each taken a vow “to uphold and protect” the US constitution.
“That commitment is permanent, and we plan to honor it. We will not be bullied. We will never give up the ship,” they continued.
The statement intensifies a dispute between the president’s team and Democrats, including Arizona senator and former astronaut Mark 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 notified the lawmakers that “they are opening what appears to be an investigation against the six of us” and characterized the action as a “intimidation strategy” by Trump.
“To be honest, the leader’s response and the use of the FBI against us is exactly why we created the message,” she said.
“He believes in using the US government against his perceived adversaries, and he’s willing to employ the government agencies to target dissenters. He does not believe the law applies to him … which is exactly why we made the video, to give people some assurance that they weren’t alone as they watch this stuff unfold.”
The Pentagon has also said it is conducting a review of claims of improper behavior involving the senator that could, it indicated, lead to his return to military service to face court-martial proceedings.
