Democrats Accuse Trump of ‘Intimidation’ Tactic as FBI Seeks Meetings

A collection of Democratic lawmakers labeled by Donald Trump as involved in “seditious behavior” have asserted that the president is using the FBI to target them as a “tool to pressure and threaten members of Congress.”

The four elected officials, along with two additional members, had produced a video encouraging US military service members to disobey illegal commands – a message that provoked Trump, who wrote on online platforms that the group were “traitors” and thus might face imprisonment or even face the death penalty.

A statement, issued by congressional lawmakers the Colorado congressman, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, and the New Hampshire lawmaker, confirmed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation had contacted the House and Senate sergeants at arms seeking 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 sworn an oath “to uphold and protect” the Constitution of the United States.

“That commitment is permanent, and we plan to honor 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 Democratic leaders, such as Arizona senator and ex-astronaut Senator Kelly and the Michigan representative Representative Slotkin, over the recorded appeal, which advised the military and intelligence services members to “refuse illegal orders.”

The Michigan lawmaker said the FBI’s counter-terrorism division had informed the lawmakers that “they are initiating what appears to be an inquiry against the six of us” and characterized the action as a “intimidation strategy” by Trump.

“To be honest, the leader’s response and the deployment of the FBI to target us is precisely the reason we made the video,” she said.

“He supports utilizing the US government to oppose those he views as opponents, and he’s not afraid to use the arms of the government against people he disagrees with. He does not believe the law applies to him … which is exactly why we made the video, to offer reassurance 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 said, lead to his return to military service to face court-martial proceedings.