Democrats Condemn Trump After He Suggests They Should Face Capital Punishment

Lawmakers from the Democratic party demonstrated anger after the ex-president accused a coalition of Democratic legislators of being "turncoats" and stated they should be detained and sentenced "with execution" following their posting of a contentious video.

The Recording That Sparked the Controversy

The recorded message, released on Tuesday, showcases six Democratic congress members who in the past acted in armed forces or defense roles.

"Similar to us, you all swore an pledge to safeguard and support this founding document," the representatives stated in the short video. "At present, the threats to our democratic foundation are not only from foreign nations, but from domestically. Our laws are clear, you can reject improper directives, you can reject unlawful commands, you should decline improper directives. No one has to follow orders that contravene the statutes or our national charter."

Donald Trump's Furious Response

The clip appeared to provoke a heated reply from the previous commander-in-chief.

On later in the week, Trump published on his social media platform: "It's called SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL. Each one of these betrayers to our United States should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL."

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

In a third message, he added: "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, subject to punishment by DEATH!" He also reposted a comment that said: "HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !!"

Democratic Leaders Respond

Following Trump's comments on that day, House Democratic leader issued a joint announcement denouncing the comments.

"Partisan aggression has no position in this nation," they wrote. "Representatives who participated in the video all served our nation with exceptional patriotism and distinction. We unequivocally condemn Donald Trump's offensive and dangerous threats of violence against congressional representatives, and urge GOP representatives to forcefully do the same."

The opposition officials also said that they had been in communication with law enforcement "to ensure the security of these members and their loved ones."

"Donald Trump must immediately take down these unhinged social media posts and withdraw his dangerous rhetoric before he gets someone killed," the announcement continued.

Lawmakers' Firm Reaction

The lawmakers who were featured in the video also released a response.

"We are ex-military personnel and defense specialists who care for this United States and swore an pledge to defend and uphold the founding document of the United States," they stated. "That oath lasts a lifetime, and we plan to keep it. No intimidation, pressure, or promotion of aggression will prevent us from that sacred obligation."

"The significant point is that the former president considers it punishable by execution for us to restate the statutes," they continued. "Armed forces members should recognize that we have their protection as they carry out their vow to the founding principles and obligation to obey only proper directives. It is not only the proper thing to do, but also our responsibility."

They added: "Every American must unite and denounce the ex-president's demands for our death and partisan aggression. This is a period for moral clarity."

More Political Reactions

The Democratic Senate minority leader also censured Trump's statements and posted on online networks: "It's important to understand: the ex-commander in chief is calling for the capital punishment of public representatives."

He added: "This is an clear THREAT. Each congressional member, all representatives, all citizens – irrespective of political affiliation – should condemn this immediately and absolutely."

The GOP leader justified Trump's assertion that the Democrats had been involved in "rebellion", describing the video as "wildly inappropriate", stating: "This represents very dangerous, you have leading members of Congress instructing military personnel to defy commands, I think that is without precedent in US history."

The Conservative representative also reportedly informed media outlets that in what he read of Trump's posts, Trump was "explaining the violation of rebellion" but that "lawyers have to analyze the wording and determine all that."

White House Response

During a White House press conference on later that day, when inquired by a media member, "Would the president want to put to death elected officials?", the White House press secretary responded: "Absolutely not."

"Let's be clear about what the president is reacting to," the official said. "There are current representatives of the federal government who conspired to arrange a digital communication to members of the US military, to active duty service members encouraging them to disobey the executive's proper directives."

She added: "The integrity of our defense system relies on the chain of command, and if that structure is broken, it can cause people getting killed, it can result in confusion, and that is exactly what these congressional representatives ... are fundamentally supporting."