Administration Sends FBI Counterterrorism Division to Silence Democratic Electeds
Following yesterday’s news that the Department of Defense is opening an investigation into Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ), five other Democratic lawmakers revealed today that they’ve been contacted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Counterterrorism Division. Besides Sen. Kelly, the members include Sen. Elissa Slotkin and Reps. Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Chrissy Houlahan, and Maggie Goodlander – all of whom previously served their country in uniform or intelligence services.
The inquiry purports to investigate the Senate and House members following their participation in a video reminding service members of their obligation to not follow unlawful orders. The investigation of Kelly was met with widespread opposition across the aisle with conservatives and service members denouncing the action as a threat to free speech. This is the latest in a whole-of-government approach to punish the President’s political opponents.
In a post about the investigation, Sen. Slotkin said: “The President directing the FBI to target us is exactly why we made this video in the first place. He believes in weaponizing the federal government against his perceived enemies and does not believe laws apply to him or his Cabinet.”
AAGC Spokesperson Caitlin Legacki issued the following statement:
“It was once unimaginable that politicians in America would face the threat of criminal and military investigation simply for opposing the President. Despite widespread and bipartisan backlash in recent days, the Trump Administration is once again doubling down on its attacks against sitting Members of Congress simply because they disagree with the President. By directly targeting elected Members of Congress, the Administration continues to abuse its power and escalate its campaign to silence critics. If the President can sic the FBI–the world’s most prestigious law enforcement agency–on elected Members of Congress, it shows there is truly no limit to this weaponization campaign.”
