Democratic lawmakers Accuse Trump of ‘Intimidation’ Campaign as FBI Requests Interviews
A collection of Democrat politicians branded by Donald Trump as engaging in “seditious behavior” have asserted 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 four politicians, along with two additional members, had produced a video urging American troops to disobey illegal commands – a message that angered Trump, who wrote on social media that the individuals were “traitors” and thus could be jailed or even be subject to capital punishment.
An announcement, issued by congressional lawmakers Jason Crow, 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 prevent us from fulfilling our duties and honoring our constitution,” they stated, adding that they had each sworn an oath “to support and defend” the US constitution.
“That oath lasts a lifetime, and we plan to honor it. We will not be bullied. We will not surrender our principles,” they added.
The statement intensifies a dispute between the Trump administration and Democratic leaders, including the senator from Arizona and former astronaut Mark Kelly and Michigan congresswoman Representative Slotkin, over the video message, which urged the armed forces and intelligence personnel to “disregard unlawful commands.”
The Michigan lawmaker said the counter-terrorism unit of the FBI had informed the lawmakers that “they are opening what appears to be an inquiry against the six of us” and described the move as a “scare tactic” by Trump.
“To be honest, the leader’s response and the use of the FBI against us is precisely the reason we made the video,” she explained.
“He believes in using the federal government against his perceived adversaries, and he’s willing to employ the government agencies against people he disagrees with. He fails to accept the law applies to him … which is precisely the reason we made the video, to offer reassurance that they weren’t alone as they observe these events develop.”
The Pentagon has also said it is performing an examination of misconduct allegations involving the senator that could, it indicated, result in him being recalled to active duty to face court-martial proceedings.
