Democratic lawmakers Allege Trump of ‘Harassment’ Tactic as FBI Requests Meetings
A collection of Democrat lawmakers branded by Donald Trump as involved in “subversive conduct” have asserted that the US leader is using the FBI to target them as a “tool to intimidate and harass congressional representatives.”
The group of four elected officials, along with two additional members, had produced a recorded message urging US military service members to resist illegal commands – a statement that angered Trump, who wrote on online platforms that the group were “disloyal citizens” and thus could be jailed or even be subject to capital punishment.
A statement, released by US representatives Jason Crow, the Pennsylvania representatives, and the New Hampshire lawmaker, verified 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 prevent us from fulfilling our duties and upholding the Constitution,” they said, adding that they had each sworn an oath “to support and defend” the Constitution of the United States.
“That oath lasts a lifetime, and we plan to honor it. We refuse to be intimidated. We will not surrender our principles,” they continued.
The statement deepens a conflict between the president’s team and Democrats, including Arizona senator and ex-astronaut Mark Kelly and Michigan congresswoman Representative Slotkin, over the video message, which urged the military and intelligence services members to “disregard unlawful commands.”
The Michigan lawmaker said the FBI’s counter-terrorism division had notified the lawmakers that “they are opening what seems like an investigation targeting the six individuals” and characterized the action as a “scare tactic” by Trump.
“Frankly, the president’s reaction and the deployment of the FBI to target us is exactly why 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 to target dissenters. He does not believe the rules govern his actions … which is precisely the reason we made the video, to give people some assurance 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 against Kelly that could, it said, result in him being recalled to active duty to face court-martial proceedings.