Democrats Allege Trump of ‘Harassment’ Tactic as FBI Requests Meetings
A group of Democratic politicians labeled by the president as engaging in “seditious behavior” have claimed that the president is using the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to target them as a “instrument to intimidate and harass congressional representatives.”
The group of four politicians, together with two others, had produced a video urging American troops to resist unlawful orders – a statement that angered Trump, who wrote on social media that the individuals were “disloyal citizens” and thus might face imprisonment or even be subject to capital punishment.
A statement, issued by US representatives Jason Crow, the Pennsylvania representatives, and the New Hampshire lawmaker, 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 stated, noting that they had each taken a vow “to uphold and protect” the Constitution of the United States.
“That oath lasts a lifetime, and we plan to honor it. We refuse to be intimidated. We will never give up the ship,” they added.
The statement deepens a dispute between the president’s team and Democrats, including the senator from Arizona and ex-astronaut Senator Kelly and Michigan congresswoman Representative Slotkin, over the video message, which advised the armed forces and intelligence personnel to “disregard unlawful commands.”
Slotkin said the counter-terrorism unit of the FBI had notified the lawmakers that “they are opening what appears to be an investigation targeting the six individuals” and described the action as a “intimidation strategy” by Trump.
“To be honest, the president’s reaction and the deployment of the FBI to target us is exactly why we created the message,” she explained.
“He supports utilizing the federal government to oppose those he views as opponents, and he’s not afraid to use the government agencies to target dissenters. 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 observe these events develop.”
The Pentagon has additionally stated it is performing an examination of claims of improper behavior against Kelly that might, it indicated, result in him being recalled to active duty to face court-martial proceedings.
