Democratic lawmakers Allege Trump of ‘Intimidation’ Tactic as FBI Seeks Meetings
A collection of Democratic politicians branded by the president as engaging in “subversive conduct” have claimed that the US leader is using the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) against them as a “tool to pressure and threaten members of Congress.”
The group of four politicians, together with two others, had created a recorded message encouraging US military service members to disobey unlawful orders – a message that angered Trump, who wrote on social media that the group were “disloyal citizens” and thus might face imprisonment or even face the death penalty.
A statement, issued by US representatives the Colorado congressman, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, and Maggie Goodlander, confirmed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation had contacted the Congressional security officials seeking discussions with them.
“No amount of intimidation or harassment will ever stop us from doing our jobs and honoring our constitution,” they stated, noting that they had each sworn an oath “to support and defend” the Constitution of the United States.
“That commitment is permanent, and we intend to keep it. We refuse to be intimidated. We will never give up the ship,” they added.
The declaration intensifies a conflict between the president’s team and Democratic leaders, such as Arizona senator and ex-astronaut Mark Kelly and Michigan congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, over the video message, 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 opening what seems like an investigation 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 exactly why we created the message,” she said.
“He supports utilizing the federal government to oppose those he views as opponents, and he’s willing to employ the arms of the government to target dissenters. He does not believe the law applies to him … which is exactly why we produced the recording, to offer reassurance that they had support as they watch this stuff unfold.”
The Pentagon has also said it is conducting a review of misconduct allegations against Kelly that might, it indicated, result in him being recalled to active duty to undergo a military trial.
