Democratic lawmakers Allege Trump of ‘Intimidation’ Tactic as FBI Seeks Interviews
A collection of Democratic politicians branded by the president as involved in “subversive conduct” have asserted that the president is using the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to target them as a “tool to intimidate and harass members of Congress.”
The four elected officials, along with two others, had created a video encouraging US military service members to disobey unlawful orders – a message that angered Trump, who posted on social media that the individuals were “disloyal citizens” and thus could be jailed or even be subject to capital punishment.
An announcement, released by congressional lawmakers the Colorado congressman, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, and the New Hampshire lawmaker, confirmed that the FBI had contacted the House and Senate sergeants at arms seeking interviews with them.
“Regardless of any pressure or threats will ever stop us from doing our jobs and upholding the Constitution,” they said, adding that they had each taken a vow “to support and defend” the US constitution.
“That commitment is permanent, and we intend to keep it. We will not be bullied. We will never give up the ship,” they continued.
The statement deepens a conflict between the Trump administration and Democrats, such as the senator from Arizona and ex-astronaut Mark Kelly and Michigan congresswoman Representative Slotkin, over the video message, which advised the armed forces and intelligence personnel to “disregard unlawful commands.”
The Michigan lawmaker said the FBI’s counter-terrorism division had notified the group that “they are initiating what appears to be an inquiry against the six of us” and characterized the move as a “scare tactic” by Trump.
“Frankly, the leader’s response and the use of the FBI against us is precisely the reason we created the message,” she explained.
“He believes in using the federal government against his perceived adversaries, and he’s not afraid to use the government agencies to target dissenters. He does not believe the law applies to him … which is precisely the reason we produced the recording, 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 said, result in him being recalled to active duty to face court-martial proceedings.
