Democrats Accuse Trump of ‘Harassment’ Campaign as FBI Requests Interviews
A group of Democratic lawmakers branded by Donald Trump as engaging in “subversive conduct” have asserted that the US leader is using the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to target them as a “instrument to intimidate and harass congressional representatives.”
The group of four elected officials, together with two others, had created a video encouraging American troops to resist illegal commands – a statement that angered Trump, who posted on social media that the group were “disloyal citizens” and thus might face imprisonment 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation had reached out to the House and Senate sergeants at arms seeking discussions with them.
“No amount of intimidation or harassment will ever stop us from doing our jobs and upholding the Constitution,” they stated, noting that they had each taken a vow “to uphold and protect” the US constitution.
“That commitment is permanent, and we plan to honor it. We refuse to be intimidated. We will not surrender our principles,” they added.
The declaration deepens a conflict between the president’s team and Democratic leaders, including the senator from Arizona and ex-astronaut Mark Kelly and the Michigan representative Representative Slotkin, over the video message, which urged the armed forces and intelligence personnel to “disregard unlawful commands.”
The Michigan lawmaker said the counter-terrorism unit of the FBI had informed the lawmakers that “they are opening what seems like an investigation against the six of us” and described the move as a “scare tactic” by Trump.
“Frankly, the president’s reaction and the use of the FBI against us is precisely the reason we created the message,” she explained.
“He believes in using the federal 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 rules govern his actions … which is exactly why we made the video, to give people some assurance that they weren’t alone as they watch this stuff unfold.”
The US Department of Defense has also said it is conducting a review of claims of improper behavior against Kelly that could, it indicated, lead to his return to military service to face court-martial proceedings.
