Democratic lawmakers Accuse Trump of ‘Harassment’ Campaign as FBI Requests Interviews

A collection of Democrat politicians branded by Donald Trump as engaging in “subversive conduct” have asserted that the president is employing the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to target them as a “tool to pressure and threaten congressional representatives.”

The group of four elected officials, together with two additional members, had created a recorded message urging American troops to resist illegal commands – a statement that angered Trump, who posted on online platforms that the group were “disloyal citizens” and thus might face imprisonment or even be subject to capital punishment.

An announcement, released by US representatives Jason Crow, the Pennsylvania representatives, and Maggie Goodlander, verified that the Federal Bureau of Investigation had reached out to the House and Senate sergeants at arms seeking interviews with them.

“Regardless of any pressure or threats will ever prevent us from fulfilling our duties and upholding the Constitution,” they stated, noting that they had each sworn an oath “to uphold and protect” the Constitution of the United States.

“That commitment is permanent, and we plan to honor it. We will not be bullied. We will never give up the ship,” they added.

The declaration deepens a conflict between the Trump administration and Democrats, including Arizona senator and former astronaut Senator Kelly and Michigan congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, over the recorded appeal, which urged the military and intelligence services members to “disregard unlawful commands.”

Slotkin said the FBI’s counter-terrorism division had informed the group that “they are initiating what appears to be an inquiry against the six of us” and characterized the action as a “scare tactic” by Trump.

“Frankly, the president’s reaction and the deployment of the FBI to target us is exactly why we made the video,” she explained.

“He believes in using the US government to oppose those he views as opponents, and he’s not afraid to use 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 conducting a review of misconduct allegations against Kelly that might, it indicated, lead to his return to military service to undergo a military trial.