FBI Inquiries Into Democratic Lawmakers Over Controversial Video
The FBI has reached out to six Democratic members of Congress regarding a video that encourages military personnel to disobey what it describes as illegal orders from the Trump administration, based on information from several lawmakers.
Senator Elissa Slotkin from Michigan shared on social media that she was made aware of the FBI’s investigation, a point echoed by her colleagues. “Suggesting and encouraging active-duty military members to defy the chain of command is extremely dangerous for a sitting member of Congress,” she wrote.
Slotkin added, “It seems that the FBI’s counterterrorism division began looking into me last night due to a video that President Trump found objectionable. The president directed the FBI to target us, which is precisely why we made the video to begin with.”
Trump has characterized certain Democrats as “traitors” involved in “seditious acts,” even alluding at one point to the possibility of severe punishments, including death. Although the White House later walked back that statement, Trump persisted in his calls for action against the lawmakers featured in the video.
“He believes in using the federal government as a means to intimidate those he perceives as enemies. He doesn’t see the law as something that applies to him or his administration,” Slotkin stated.
In a joint statement, Democratic officials indicated that the FBI had contacted the House and Senate sergeants-at-arms to arrange interviews with the lawmakers involved. “President Trump is weaponizing the FBI to intimidate and harass members of Congress,” they claimed.
The FBI declined to comment when approached for a response.
Slotkin further expressed her thoughts, saying, “This goes beyond a video issue. It’s not the America I recognize, and I refuse to let whatever steps the FBI takes deter me from advocating for our country and our Constitution.”
On Thursday, White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt clarified that the president did not intend for the members to face execution. She reiterated, “Encouraging military personnel to disobey the chain of command poses grave risks, and that’s why accountability is crucial.” According to her, that is what the president is demanding.
Additionally, the Army recently indicated it was investigating allegations of misconduct involving Senator Mark Kelly from Arizona, who could face court-martial or other actions as a result. Kelly responded via social media, pushing back against any attempts to intimidate him or his colleagues into silence.
