Democratic lawmakers Accuse Trump of ‘Harassment’ Tactic as FBI Seeks Meetings
A group of Democrat lawmakers branded by Donald Trump as involved in “subversive conduct” have asserted that the US leader is employing the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to target them as a “instrument to intimidate and harass congressional representatives.”
The four politicians, together with two additional members, had created a video urging US military service members to resist unlawful orders – a statement that angered Trump, who wrote on online platforms that the group were “traitors” and thus might face imprisonment or even be subject to capital punishment.
An announcement, issued by US representatives Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, and Maggie Goodlander, verified that the Federal Bureau of Investigation had contacted the Congressional security officials requesting discussions with them.
“No amount of intimidation or harassment will ever prevent us from fulfilling our duties and honoring our constitution,” they stated, noting that they had each taken a vow “to uphold and protect” the US constitution.
“That oath lasts a lifetime, and we intend to keep it. We will not be bullied. We will never give up the ship,” they continued.
The declaration intensifies a dispute between the Trump administration and Democratic leaders, including the senator from Arizona and ex-astronaut Senator Kelly and the Michigan representative Elissa 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 seems like an inquiry targeting the six individuals” and described the action as a “intimidation strategy” by Trump.
“To be honest, the president’s reaction 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 to oppose those he views as opponents, and he’s not afraid to use the arms of the government to target dissenters. He does not believe the rules govern his actions … which is precisely the reason we produced the recording, to give people some assurance that they had support as they watch this stuff unfold.”
The Pentagon has also said it is performing an examination of misconduct allegations involving the senator that could, it indicated, result in him being recalled to active duty to face court-martial proceedings.
