Democrats Accuse Trump of ‘Harassment’ Tactic as FBI Requests Interviews
A collection of Democrat lawmakers branded by Donald Trump as involved in “subversive conduct” have claimed that the president is employing the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) against them as a “instrument to pressure and threaten members of Congress.”
The group of four elected officials, along with two additional members, had produced a video urging US military service members to resist unlawful orders – a statement that provoked Trump, who wrote on social media that the group were “traitors” and thus could be jailed or even be subject to capital punishment.
A statement, released by US representatives Jason Crow, the Pennsylvania representatives, and the New Hampshire lawmaker, verified that the FBI had reached out to the Congressional security officials 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 sworn an oath “to support and defend” the US constitution.
“That commitment is permanent, and we intend to keep it. We will not be bullied. We will not surrender our principles,” they added.
The statement deepens a dispute between the Trump administration and Democrats, including the senator from Arizona and ex-astronaut Mark Kelly and Michigan congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, over the recorded appeal, which advised the military and intelligence services members to “disregard unlawful commands.”
The Michigan lawmaker said the FBI’s counter-terrorism division had notified the group that “they are opening what appears to be an inquiry targeting the six individuals” and described the action as a “scare tactic” by Trump.
“To be honest, the president’s reaction and the use of the FBI against us is precisely the reason we made the video,” she said.
“He supports utilizing the US government against his perceived adversaries, and he’s not afraid to use the government agencies against people he disagrees with. He does not believe the rules govern his actions … which is precisely the reason we made the video, to offer reassurance that they had support as they observe these events develop.”
The Pentagon has also said it is performing an examination of misconduct allegations against Kelly that could, it said, result in him being recalled to active duty to face court-martial proceedings.
