Democrats Allege Trump of ‘Harassment’ Campaign as FBI Requests Meetings

A group of Democratic lawmakers labeled by the president as involved in “seditious behavior” have asserted that the president is using the FBI against them as a “tool to intimidate and harass members of Congress.”

The four politicians, together with two additional members, had produced a recorded message encouraging American troops to disobey unlawful orders – a statement that provoked Trump, who posted on online platforms that the group were “disloyal citizens” and thus could be jailed or even be subject to capital punishment.

An announcement, issued by US representatives the Colorado congressman, the Pennsylvania representatives, and Maggie Goodlander, verified that the FBI had contacted the Congressional security officials seeking interviews with them.

“No amount of intimidation or harassment will ever stop us from doing our jobs and honoring our constitution,” they stated, 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 refuse to be intimidated. We will never give up the ship,” they continued.

The declaration intensifies a conflict between the president’s team and Democrats, including the senator from Arizona and former astronaut Mark Kelly and Michigan congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, over the video message, which urged the armed forces and intelligence personnel to “disregard unlawful commands.”

The Michigan lawmaker said the FBI’s counter-terrorism division had informed the group that “they are opening what seems like an inquiry against the six of us” and described the move as a “scare tactic” by Trump.

“Frankly, the leader’s response and the use of the FBI against us is exactly why we created the message,” she said.

“He supports utilizing 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 precisely the reason we made the video, to offer reassurance that they had support as they observe these events develop.”

The Pentagon has additionally stated it is performing an examination of misconduct allegations involving the senator that might, it said, result in him being recalled to active duty to undergo a military trial.