Democratic lawmakers Allege Trump of ‘Intimidation’ Tactic as FBI Requests Interviews
A collection of Democrat politicians branded by Donald Trump as engaging in “subversive conduct” have asserted that the US leader is using the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) against them as a “tool to intimidate and harass congressional representatives.”
The group of four elected officials, along with two additional members, had created a recorded message encouraging US military service members to disobey unlawful orders – a statement that angered Trump, who wrote on social media that the group were “traitors” and thus might face imprisonment or even be subject to capital punishment.
A statement, issued by US representatives Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, and the New Hampshire lawmaker, confirmed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation had contacted the Congressional security officials requesting discussions with them.
“No amount of intimidation or harassment will ever prevent us from fulfilling our duties and upholding the Constitution,” they said, noting that they had each sworn an oath “to support and defend” the US constitution.
“That oath lasts a lifetime, and we intend to keep it. We will not be bullied. We will never give up the ship,” they added.
The declaration deepens a conflict between the president’s team and Democratic leaders, including Arizona senator and former astronaut Senator Kelly and Michigan congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, over the video message, 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 opening what appears to be an investigation against the six of us” and described the move as a “intimidation strategy” by Trump.
“Frankly, the leader’s response and the deployment of the FBI to target us is precisely the reason we made the video,” she said.
“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 produced the recording, 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 against Kelly that could, it indicated, result in him being recalled to active duty to undergo a military trial.
