Democratic lawmakers Allege Trump of ‘Harassment’ Tactic as FBI Requests Meetings
A collection of Democratic lawmakers branded by Donald Trump as involved in “subversive conduct” have claimed that the US leader is employing the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) against them as a “instrument to intimidate and harass congressional representatives.”
The four elected officials, together with two others, had created a video encouraging US military service members to disobey unlawful orders – a message that angered Trump, who wrote on online platforms that the group were “disloyal citizens” and thus could be jailed or even face the death penalty.
An announcement, released by congressional lawmakers the Colorado congressman, the Pennsylvania representatives, and Maggie Goodlander, verified that the Federal Bureau of Investigation had reached out to the House and Senate sergeants at arms requesting interviews with them.
“No amount of intimidation or harassment will ever stop us from doing our jobs and honoring our constitution,” they said, noting that they had each taken a vow “to uphold and protect” the US constitution.
“That oath lasts a lifetime, and we plan to honor it. We refuse to be intimidated. We will not surrender our principles,” they added.
The statement intensifies a dispute between the Trump administration and Democrats, such as the senator from Arizona and ex-astronaut Senator Kelly and Michigan congresswoman Representative Slotkin, over the recorded appeal, which advised the military and intelligence services members to “refuse illegal orders.”
The Michigan lawmaker said the counter-terrorism unit of the FBI had informed the group that “they are opening what appears to be an inquiry targeting the six individuals” and characterized the move as a “scare tactic” by Trump.
“Frankly, the leader’s response and the deployment of the FBI to target us is precisely the reason we created the message,” she explained.
“He supports utilizing the federal government to oppose those he views as opponents, and he’s willing to employ the arms of the government against people he disagrees with. He does not believe the law applies to him … which is precisely the reason we produced the recording, to offer reassurance that they had support as they watch this stuff unfold.”
The US Department of Defense has additionally stated 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.