Democratic lawmakers Allege Trump of ‘Harassment’ Campaign as FBI Seeks Meetings
A group of Democratic lawmakers labeled by the president as engaging in “subversive conduct” have claimed that the US leader is employing the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) against them as a “tool to pressure and threaten members of Congress.”
The four politicians, along with two others, had produced a video urging US military service members to disobey unlawful orders – a message that provoked Trump, who wrote on online platforms that the individuals were “disloyal citizens” and thus could be jailed or even face the death penalty.
A statement, issued by US representatives Jason Crow, the Pennsylvania representatives, and the New Hampshire lawmaker, confirmed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation had contacted 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 will not be bullied. We will not surrender our principles,” they continued.
The declaration intensifies a dispute between the president’s team and Democratic leaders, including the senator from Arizona and ex-astronaut Mark Kelly and Michigan congresswoman Representative Slotkin, over the recorded appeal, which urged the military and intelligence services members to “refuse illegal orders.”
The Michigan lawmaker said the counter-terrorism unit of the FBI had notified the group that “they are opening what seems like an investigation against the six of us” and described the action as a “scare tactic” by Trump.
“Frankly, the leader’s response and the deployment of the FBI to target us is exactly why we made the video,” she said.
“He supports utilizing the federal government against his perceived adversaries, and he’s willing to employ the government agencies to target dissenters. He does not believe the rules govern his actions … which is precisely the reason we made the video, 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 misconduct allegations involving the senator that might, it said, lead to his return to military service to face court-martial proceedings.
