Democrats Accuse Trump of ‘Harassment’ Tactic as FBI Requests Interviews
A collection of Democrat lawmakers labeled 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 pressure and threaten members of Congress.”
The group of four politicians, together with two additional members, had produced a recorded message urging American troops 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 face the death penalty.
A statement, issued by US representatives the Colorado congressman, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, and the New Hampshire lawmaker, verified that the FBI had contacted the House and Senate sergeants at arms requesting 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 Constitution of the United States.
“That oath lasts a lifetime, and we plan to honor it. We will not be bullied. We will not surrender our principles,” they added.
The statement deepens a conflict between the president’s team and Democratic leaders, such as Arizona senator and former astronaut Senator Kelly and the Michigan representative Elissa Slotkin, over the video message, which urged the military and intelligence services members to “refuse illegal orders.”
The Michigan lawmaker said the FBI’s counter-terrorism division had informed the group that “they are opening what appears to be an inquiry against the six of us” and characterized the move as a “intimidation strategy” by Trump.
“To be honest, the president’s reaction and the use of the FBI against us is exactly why we made the video,” she said.
“He supports utilizing the federal government against his perceived adversaries, 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 give people some assurance that they had support as they observe these events develop.”
The Pentagon has also said it is performing an examination of claims of improper behavior involving the senator that could, it indicated, result in him being recalled to active duty to undergo a military trial.
