Democrats Allege Trump of ‘Harassment’ Campaign as FBI Seeks Meetings
A collection of Democrat politicians labeled by the president as engaging in “seditious behavior” have asserted that the US leader is using the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to target them as a “instrument to intimidate and harass congressional representatives.”
The four politicians, along with two additional members, had created a recorded message urging American troops to resist unlawful orders – a message that provoked Trump, who posted 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 US representatives Jason Crow, the Pennsylvania representatives, and Maggie Goodlander, verified that the Federal Bureau of Investigation had contacted the Congressional security officials requesting discussions with them.
“Regardless of any pressure or threats will ever stop us from doing our jobs and honoring our constitution,” they stated, noting that they had each sworn an oath “to support and defend” 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 added.
The statement intensifies a conflict between the Trump administration and Democratic leaders, such as Arizona senator and former astronaut Senator Kelly and Michigan congresswoman Representative Slotkin, over the recorded appeal, which urged the armed forces and intelligence personnel to “refuse illegal orders.”
Slotkin 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 described the move 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 US government to oppose those he views as opponents, and he’s willing to employ the arms of the government to target dissenters. He fails to accept the rules govern his actions … which is exactly why we produced the recording, to give people some assurance that they weren’t alone as they watch this stuff unfold.”
The Pentagon has additionally stated it is conducting a review of misconduct allegations involving the senator that could, it indicated, lead to his return to military service to undergo a military trial.
