Democratic lawmakers Allege Trump of ‘Harassment’ Campaign as FBI Seeks Interviews
A group of Democratic lawmakers labeled by the president as engaging in “subversive conduct” have asserted that the US leader is using the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) against them as a “tool to pressure and threaten congressional representatives.”
The four politicians, together with two others, had created a video urging American troops to disobey unlawful orders – a message that provoked Trump, who wrote on social media that the group were “traitors” and thus might face imprisonment or even be subject to capital punishment.
A statement, released 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 prevent us from fulfilling our duties and upholding the Constitution,” they said, 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 will not be bullied. We will not surrender our principles,” they added.
The statement deepens a conflict between the president’s team and Democrats, such as Arizona senator and ex-astronaut Senator Kelly and Michigan congresswoman Representative Slotkin, over the recorded appeal, which urged the military and intelligence services members to “disregard unlawful commands.”
The Michigan lawmaker said the FBI’s counter-terrorism division had informed the lawmakers that “they are initiating what seems like an inquiry against the six of us” and described the move as a “intimidation strategy” by Trump.
“Frankly, the leader’s response and the deployment of the FBI to target us is precisely the reason we created the message,” she said.
“He supports utilizing the US government to oppose those he views as opponents, and he’s not afraid to use the government agencies against people he disagrees with. He does not believe the law applies to him … which is exactly why we produced the recording, to offer reassurance that they had support as they watch this stuff unfold.”
The Pentagon has also said it is performing an examination of misconduct allegations against Kelly that could, it said, lead to his return to military service to undergo a military trial.
