Democrats Accuse Trump of ‘Harassment’ Tactic as FBI Seeks Meetings
A collection of Democratic lawmakers labeled by Donald Trump as engaging in “seditious behavior” have asserted that the US leader is employing the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) against them as a “instrument to pressure and threaten congressional representatives.”
The group of four elected officials, along with two others, had created a video encouraging American troops to resist unlawful orders – a message that angered Trump, who wrote on online platforms that the individuals were “disloyal citizens” and thus might face imprisonment or even face the death penalty.
An announcement, released by congressional lawmakers the Colorado congressman, the Pennsylvania representatives, and the New Hampshire lawmaker, verified that the Federal Bureau of Investigation had contacted the Congressional security officials seeking 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 taken a vow “to uphold and protect” the US constitution.
“That commitment is permanent, and we intend to keep it. We will not be bullied. We will not surrender our principles,” they continued.
The declaration intensifies a conflict between the president’s team and Democrats, including Arizona senator and ex-astronaut Senator Kelly and Michigan congresswoman Representative Slotkin, over the recorded appeal, which urged the armed forces and intelligence personnel to “disregard unlawful commands.”
The Michigan lawmaker said the FBI’s counter-terrorism division had notified the lawmakers that “they are opening what appears to be an investigation targeting the six individuals” and described 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 made the video,” she said.
“He believes in using the US government to oppose those he views as opponents, and he’s not afraid to use the government agencies against people he disagrees with. 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 against Kelly that might, it said, lead to his return to military service to face court-martial proceedings.
