Democrats Accuse Trump of ‘Harassment’ Campaign as FBI Seeks Interviews
A group of Democrat politicians labeled by Donald Trump as engaging in “subversive conduct” have asserted that the US leader is employing the FBI against them as a “tool to pressure and threaten members of Congress.”
The group of four elected officials, together with two others, had created a recorded message urging US military service members to resist unlawful orders – a message that angered Trump, who posted on online platforms that the individuals were “disloyal citizens” and thus could be jailed or even be subject to capital punishment.
An announcement, issued by US representatives the Colorado congressman, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, and Maggie Goodlander, confirmed that the FBI had contacted the Congressional security officials seeking interviews with them.
“No amount of intimidation or harassment will ever stop us from doing our jobs and upholding the Constitution,” they said, adding that they had each taken a vow “to uphold and protect” the Constitution of the United States.
“That commitment is permanent, and we intend to keep it. We will not be bullied. We will never give up the ship,” they added.
The statement intensifies a conflict between the Trump administration and Democratic leaders, including the senator from Arizona and ex-astronaut Mark Kelly and Michigan congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, over the recorded appeal, which advised the armed forces and intelligence personnel to “disregard unlawful commands.”
Slotkin said the FBI’s counter-terrorism division had informed the group that “they are opening what appears to be an inquiry targeting the six individuals” and described the action as a “intimidation strategy” by Trump.
“To be honest, the leader’s response and the use of the FBI against us is precisely the reason we created the message,” she explained.
“He supports utilizing the US government to oppose those he views as opponents, and he’s willing to employ the government agencies against people he disagrees with. He fails to accept the law applies to him … which is exactly why we made the video, to give people some assurance that they weren’t alone as they observe these events develop.”
The US Department of Defense has additionally stated it is conducting a review of claims of improper behavior involving the senator that might, it indicated, result in him being recalled to active duty to undergo a military trial.
