FBI Probes Democratic Lawmakers Over Video on Refusing Illegal Orders, Threats of "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR"
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has reached out to several Democratic lawmakers who appeared in a video warning military personnel that they are not required to follow illegal orders. The inquiry, which was confirmed by the offices of Arizona Senator Mark Kelly and Michigan Representative Elissa Slotkin, comes after President Donald Trump deemed the lawmakers' statement "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH".
The lawmakers, including Representatives Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Chrissy Houlahan, and Maggie Goodlander, released a video in mid-November expressing their concerns about the Trump administration's actions. They stated that no one is obligated to carry out orders that violate the law or Constitution, citing the importance of vigilance among public servants.
The FBI has requested interviews with the lawmakers, who assert that they will not be silenced by the threat of intimidation. In a statement, Slotkin said that President Trump's attempt to use the FBI as a tool to harass and intimidate lawmakers would not deter her from speaking out against the administration's actions. The Democrats' message was met with resistance from the Defense Department, which has launched an investigation into Arizona Senator Kelly's participation in the video.
The inquiry is a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and Democratic lawmakers. While the Constitution protects members of Congress from intimidation by the executive branch, some are taking steps to ensure that their voices are heard despite the threats. As one representative put it, "No amount of intimidation or harassment will ever stop us from doing our jobs and honoring our Constitution."
The investigation raises questions about the limits of First Amendment protections for lawmakers and the role of the FBI in investigating such matters. While the agency has declined to comment, the incident highlights the ongoing struggle for free speech and accountability in American politics.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the lawmakers will respond to the FBI's inquiry and whether their message will be silenced by those in power.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has reached out to several Democratic lawmakers who appeared in a video warning military personnel that they are not required to follow illegal orders. The inquiry, which was confirmed by the offices of Arizona Senator Mark Kelly and Michigan Representative Elissa Slotkin, comes after President Donald Trump deemed the lawmakers' statement "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH".
The lawmakers, including Representatives Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Chrissy Houlahan, and Maggie Goodlander, released a video in mid-November expressing their concerns about the Trump administration's actions. They stated that no one is obligated to carry out orders that violate the law or Constitution, citing the importance of vigilance among public servants.
The FBI has requested interviews with the lawmakers, who assert that they will not be silenced by the threat of intimidation. In a statement, Slotkin said that President Trump's attempt to use the FBI as a tool to harass and intimidate lawmakers would not deter her from speaking out against the administration's actions. The Democrats' message was met with resistance from the Defense Department, which has launched an investigation into Arizona Senator Kelly's participation in the video.
The inquiry is a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and Democratic lawmakers. While the Constitution protects members of Congress from intimidation by the executive branch, some are taking steps to ensure that their voices are heard despite the threats. As one representative put it, "No amount of intimidation or harassment will ever stop us from doing our jobs and honoring our Constitution."
The investigation raises questions about the limits of First Amendment protections for lawmakers and the role of the FBI in investigating such matters. While the agency has declined to comment, the incident highlights the ongoing struggle for free speech and accountability in American politics.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the lawmakers will respond to the FBI's inquiry and whether their message will be silenced by those in power.