Democrats Accuse Trump of ‘Harassment’ Tactic as FBI Seeks Meetings
A collection of Democratic politicians labeled by the president as involved in “subversive conduct” have claimed that the president is using the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to target them as a “tool to intimidate and harass members of Congress.”
The four elected officials, together with two others, had produced a video urging American troops to resist illegal commands – a statement that angered Trump, who posted on online platforms that the individuals were “disloyal citizens” and thus might face imprisonment or even be subject to capital punishment.
A statement, issued by congressional lawmakers Jason Crow, the Pennsylvania representatives, and Maggie Goodlander, confirmed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation had contacted the Congressional security officials requesting interviews with them.
“No amount of intimidation or harassment will ever stop us from doing our jobs and honoring our constitution,” they said, adding that they had each taken a vow “to support and defend” 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 continued.
The statement deepens a dispute between the president’s team and Democrats, including the senator from Arizona and ex-astronaut Senator Kelly and the Michigan representative Elissa Slotkin, over the video message, which advised the armed forces and intelligence personnel to “disregard unlawful commands.”
Slotkin said the counter-terrorism unit of the FBI had notified the group that “they are initiating what appears to be an investigation against the six of us” and described the move as a “scare tactic” by Trump.
“To be honest, the president’s reaction and the use of the FBI against 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 arms of the government to target dissenters. He does not believe the rules govern his actions … which is exactly why we produced the recording, to give people some assurance that they had support as they watch this stuff unfold.”
The US Department of Defense has additionally stated it is performing an examination of misconduct allegations involving the senator that might, it said, lead to his return to military service to undergo a military trial.
