🔗 Share this article Democratic lawmakers Criticize Trump After He Suggests They Should Face Capital Punishment Lawmakers from the Democratic party voiced fury after Donald Trump charged a contingent of Democratic legislators of being "betrayers" and asserted they should be detained and sentenced "through capital punishment" following their release of a controversial video. The Recording That Sparked the Dispute The recorded message, released on earlier this week, includes six Democratic elected officials who in the past acted in defense or defense roles. "As we did, you all took an oath to defend and support this constitution," the officials affirmed in the 90-second video. "At present, the risks to our governing document don't only come from overseas, but from right here at home. Our laws are clear, you can reject improper directives, you can decline illegal orders, you should refuse unlawful commands. No one has to carry out orders that violate the legal system or our national charter." Trump's Furious Reply The recorded statement appeared to provoke a heated response from the previous commander-in-chief. On later in the week, Trump published on his preferred platform: "This represents SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL. Each one of these traitors to our United States should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL." In another publication, he declared: "This constitutes really concerning, and Risky to our Country. Their statements cannot be enabled to stand. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???" In a subsequent message, he added: "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, liable by DEATH!" He also reposted a statement that stated: "HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !!" Party Leaders Respond Following Trump's remarks on that day, House Democratic leader issued a joint statement censuring the statements. "Partisan aggression has no role in this nation," they declared. "Elected officials who were featured in the video all served our country with tremendous national pride and excellence. We strongly censure Donald Trump's disgusting and dangerous threats of violence against congressional representatives, and appeal to GOP representatives to vigorously do the same." The party representatives also stated that they had been in communication with law enforcement "to ensure the security of these officials and their loved ones." "Donald Trump must immediately remove these extreme digital publications and withdraw his dangerous rhetoric before he leads to violence," the statement added. Representatives' Firm Response The officials who appeared in the video also issued a statement. "We serve as ex-military personnel and national security professionals who love this nation and made an pledge to safeguard and uphold the constitution of the United States," they said. "This commitment continues forever, and we aim to maintain it. No warning, pressure, or call for violence will deter us from that sacred duty." "The significant point is that the ex-president deems it punishable by death for us to repeat the legal requirements," they stated. "Military personnel should know that we have their support as they execute their vow to the constitution and responsibility to adhere to only lawful orders. It is not only the proper thing to do, but also our duty." They stated: "Every American must unite and condemn the president's calls for our death and political violence. This is a period for moral clarity." Further Political Responses The Senate Democratic leader also denounced Trump's remarks and posted on social media: "Let's be crystal clear: the ex-commander in chief is requesting the capital punishment of government members." He stated: "This is an direct THREAT. Every Senator, every Representative, the entire nation – without partisan consideration – should censure this right away and without qualification." The Republican House speaker justified Trump's assertion that the Democrats had engaged in "sedition", labeling the video as "wildly inappropriate", stating: "This represents very dangerous, you have leading members of Congress instructing soldiers to defy commands, I think that represents historic in US history." The GOP official also according to sources told journalists that in what he read of Trump's publications, Trump was "describing the violation of treason" but that "attorneys have to examine the language and decide all that." Administration Statement During a White House press conference on that day, when questioned by a reporter, "Is the president want to put to death elected officials?", the White House press secretary replied: "Certainly not." "Let's be clear about what the ex-commander in chief is addressing," the official declared. "You have current representatives of the US Congress who conspired to organize a digital communication to members of the US military, to active duty service members encouraging them to ignore the commander in chief's lawful orders." She added: "The purity of our armed forces rests on the chain of command, and if that structure is violated, it can result in people getting killed, it can result in confusion, and that's what these elected officials ... are basically encouraging."