🔗 Share this article

Lawmakers from the Democratic party voiced anger after former President Donald Trump charged a contingent of Democratic legislators of being "traitors" and declared they should be taken into custody and punished "with execution" following their publication of a disputed video.

The Message That Provoked the Dispute

The clip, released on earlier this week, includes six Democratic lawmakers who in the past acted in armed forces or security positions.

"Like us, you all made an pledge to defend and support this constitution," the officials stated in the brief video. "At present, the risks to our governing document aren't just from abroad, but from right here at home. Our laws are unambiguous, you can reject illegal orders, you can reject unlawful commands, you must reject unlawful commands. No one has to follow directives that contravene the legal system or our constitution."

Trump's Angry Reply

The recorded statement appeared to trigger a angry reaction from the previous commander-in-chief.

On Thursday morning, Trump wrote on Truth Social: "This represents SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL. Each one of these turncoats to our Nation should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL."

In a separate post, he stated: "This is really concerning, and Harmful to our Country. Their statements cannot be allowed to remain. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???"

In a subsequent post, he added: "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, liable by DEATH!" He also shared a statement that said: "HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !!"

Party Leaders Respond

Following Trump's comments on Thursday, House Democratic leader issued a combined announcement censuring the comments.

"Partisan aggression has no role in America," they stated. "Congress members who participated in the video all served our country with exceptional loyalty and distinction. We unequivocally condemn Donald Trump's disgusting and dangerous death threats against congressional representatives, and urge House Republicans to vigorously do the same."

The opposition officials also said that they had been in contact with protective services "to ensure the safety of these representatives and their loved ones."

"Donald Trump must immediately remove these unhinged online messages and retract his dangerous language before he gets someone killed," the declaration added.

Representatives' Strong Response

The representatives who were featured in the video also issued a statement.

"We serve as former service members and security experts who care for this United States and swore an vow to protect and support the constitution of the United States," they declared. "That oath continues forever, and we aim to honor it. No threat, intimidation, or call for violence will stop us from that sacred responsibility."

"The most revealing aspect is that the ex-president considers it subject to penalty by execution for us to reiterate the statutes," they added. "Military personnel should understand that we have their support as they execute their vow to the national charter and duty to obey only lawful orders. It is not only the correct thing to do, but also our obligation."

They continued: "All citizens must unite and denounce the president's requests for our murder and partisan aggression. This is a period for ethical certainty."

More Partisan Comments

The Senate Democratic leader also condemned Trump's comments and posted on digital platforms: "Let's be crystal clear: the ex-commander in chief is demanding the execution of elected officials."

He continued: "This is an direct THREAT. All senators, all representatives, every American – irrespective of political affiliation – should denounce this immediately and without qualification."

The GOP leader justified Trump's allegation that the Democrats had engaged in "sedition", describing the video as "wildly inappropriate", stating: "It is very harmful, you have prominent officials of Congress advising troops to disobey orders, I think that is without precedent in the nation's past."

The Republican leader also reportedly stated to journalists that in what he read of Trump's messages, Trump was "describing the crime of sedition" but that "attorneys have to parse the wording and establish all that."

White House Reaction

During a administration briefing on that day, when asked by a media member, "Does the president want to put to death congressional representatives?", the executive branch representative answered: "Absolutely not."

"It's important to note about what the ex-commander in chief is reacting to," the official said. "There are active officials of the federal government who worked together to organize a video message to members of the US military, to active duty service members urging them to ignore the president's legal commands."

She stated: "The integrity of our defense system rests on the command structure, and if that chain of command is compromised, it can cause casualties, it can lead to chaos, and precisely what these members of Congress ... are essentially supporting."