Democrats Accuse Trump of ‘Intimidation’ Campaign as FBI Requests Meetings

A group of Democrat lawmakers labeled by Donald Trump as engaging in “seditious behavior” have asserted that the president is using the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) against them as a “instrument to intimidate and harass members of Congress.”

The group of four elected officials, along with two additional members, had created a video urging US military service members to resist unlawful orders – a message that provoked Trump, who posted on online platforms that the group were “traitors” and thus might face imprisonment or even face the death penalty.

A statement, issued by US representatives the Colorado congressman, the Pennsylvania representatives, and Maggie Goodlander, confirmed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation had contacted the House and Senate sergeants at arms requesting discussions with them.

“Regardless of any pressure or threats will ever prevent us from fulfilling our duties and upholding the Constitution,” they stated, adding that they had each taken a vow “to support and defend” the US constitution.

“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 dispute between the president’s team and Democrats, including the senator from Arizona and ex-astronaut Senator Kelly and Michigan congresswoman Representative Slotkin, over the recorded appeal, which advised the military and intelligence services members to “refuse illegal orders.”

The Michigan lawmaker said the counter-terrorism unit of the FBI had notified the lawmakers that “they are initiating what appears to be an inquiry targeting the six individuals” 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 exactly why we created the message,” she said.

“He believes in using the federal government against his perceived adversaries, 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 precisely the reason we made the video, to give people some assurance that they had support as they observe these events develop.”

The Pentagon has additionally stated it is conducting a review of claims of improper behavior against Kelly that could, it indicated, result in him being recalled to active duty to undergo a military trial.