Democrats Accuse Trump of ‘Harassment’ Campaign as FBI Requests Interviews
A collection of Democrat politicians branded by Donald Trump as engaging in “subversive conduct” have claimed that the president is employing the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) against them as a “tool to intimidate and harass congressional representatives.”
The group of four elected officials, along with two others, had created a recorded message encouraging US military service members to resist illegal commands – a statement that provoked Trump, who wrote on online platforms that the individuals were “traitors” and thus might face imprisonment or even be subject to capital punishment.
An announcement, released by US representatives the Colorado congressman, the Pennsylvania representatives, and Maggie Goodlander, confirmed that the FBI had reached out to the Congressional security officials seeking interviews with them.
“Regardless of any pressure or threats 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 Constitution of the United States.
“That oath lasts a lifetime, and we intend to keep it. We refuse to be intimidated. We will not surrender our principles,” they added.
The statement deepens a conflict between the president’s team and Democrats, such as the senator from Arizona and former astronaut Mark Kelly and Michigan congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, over the recorded appeal, which urged the military and intelligence services members to “disregard unlawful commands.”
Slotkin said the FBI’s counter-terrorism division had informed the group that “they are opening what seems like an investigation against the six of us” and described 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 willing to employ 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 give people some assurance that they had support 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, result in him being recalled to active duty to face court-martial proceedings.
