Democratic lawmakers Allege Trump of ‘Intimidation’ Campaign as FBI Requests Meetings
A collection of Democratic politicians branded by the president as engaging in “subversive conduct” have claimed that the president is employing the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) against them as a “instrument to intimidate and harass members of Congress.”
The group of four politicians, along with two additional members, had created a recorded message urging US military service members to resist unlawful orders – a message that provoked Trump, who wrote on social media that the group were “disloyal citizens” and thus could be jailed or even be subject to capital punishment.
A statement, issued by congressional lawmakers Jason Crow, the Pennsylvania representatives, and Maggie Goodlander, verified that the FBI had contacted the House and Senate sergeants at arms seeking interviews with them.
“Regardless of any pressure or threats will ever prevent us from fulfilling our duties and upholding the Constitution,” they said, 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 not surrender our principles,” they continued.
The statement deepens a dispute between the Trump administration and Democratic leaders, such as Arizona senator and former astronaut Mark Kelly and the Michigan representative Representative Slotkin, over the recorded appeal, which urged the military and intelligence services members to “disregard unlawful commands.”
The Michigan lawmaker said the FBI’s counter-terrorism division had informed the group that “they are initiating what appears to be an inquiry against the six of us” and described the action as a “intimidation strategy” by Trump.
“Frankly, the president’s reaction and the use of the FBI against us is exactly why we created the message,” she explained.
“He believes in using the federal government to oppose those he views as opponents, and he’s not afraid to use the arms of the government to target dissenters. He fails to accept the law applies to him … which is precisely the reason we produced the recording, to offer reassurance that they weren’t alone as they watch this stuff unfold.”
The US Department of Defense has additionally stated it is performing an examination of claims of improper behavior involving the senator that might, it indicated, lead to his return to military service to face court-martial proceedings.
