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Democratic officials expressed anger after former President Donald Trump alleged a coalition of Democratic congress members of being "turncoats" and asserted they should be detained and punished "with execution" following their posting of a disputed video.

The Message That Sparked the Controversy

The recorded message, shared on Tuesday, showcases six Democratic lawmakers who formerly worked in defense or intelligence positions.

"Like us, you all swore an vow to protect and defend this constitution," the officials declared in the 90-second video. "Currently, the threats to our governing document aren't just from abroad, but from within our own country. Our laws are clear, you can reject illegal orders, you can decline illegal orders, you should reject improper directives. No one has to follow directives that contravene the legal system or our constitution."

Trump's Furious Response

The video message seemed to provoke a heated reply from the previous commander-in-chief.

On Thursday morning, Trump posted on his preferred platform: "This constitutes SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL. Each one of these betrayers to our Country should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL."

In a separate post, he stated: "This represents really bad, and Harmful to our Nation. Their comments cannot be permitted to persist. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???"

In a subsequent publication, he stated: "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!" He also redistributed a statement that stated: "HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !!"

Party Leaders Respond

Following Trump's comments on that day, House Democratic leader released a combined announcement censuring the comments.

"Violent politics has no role in the United States," they declared. "Representatives who were featured in the video all acted our country with great loyalty and honor. We unequivocally censure Donald Trump's offensive and risky death threats against elected officials, and appeal to House Republicans to forcefully do the same."

The Democratic leaders also said that they had been in touch with law enforcement "to ensure the safety of these representatives and their loved ones."

"Donald Trump must without delay delete these radical digital publications and withdraw his violent rhetoric before he gets someone killed," the statement stated.

Officials' Strong Response

The lawmakers who were featured in the video also issued a declaration.

"We identify as former service members and security experts who care for this country and swore an oath to safeguard and support the national charter of the United States," they stated. "That oath is permanent, and we aim to honor it. No intimidation, coercion, or promotion of aggression will stop us from that fundamental responsibility."

"The significant point is that the president views it subject to penalty by execution for us to reiterate the law," they stated. "Armed forces members should recognize that we have their backs as they fulfill their oath to the constitution and duty to follow only proper directives. It is not only the correct thing to do, but also our responsibility."

They added: "All citizens must join forces and denounce the former president's requests for our death and political violence. This is a time for principled stance."

More Political Responses

The Opposition leader also condemned Trump's remarks and posted on digital platforms: "We must be absolutely clear: the former president is calling for the death of elected officials."

He stated: "This constitutes an outright THREAT. Each congressional member, each house member, the entire nation – without partisan consideration – should censure this without delay and absolutely."

The Conservative official supported Trump's allegation that the Democrats had engaged in "rebellion", describing the video as "extremely improper", stating: "This represents very risky, you have prominent officials of the legislature instructing military personnel to disobey orders, I think that represents without precedent in the nation's past."

The Republican leader also reportedly stated to the press that in what he examined of Trump's messages, Trump was "defining the offense of treason" but that "legal experts have to examine the language and establish all that."

White House Statement

During a administration briefing on that day, when inquired by a media member, "Is the president want to put to death congressional representatives?", the White House press secretary answered: "No."

"Let's be clear about what the president is addressing," the official declared. "There are current representatives of the federal government who worked together to organize a video message to members of the national defense, to serving soldiers encouraging them to ignore the executive's proper directives."

She said: "The integrity of our military relies on the hierarchy, and if that structure is compromised, it can cause people getting killed, it can result in disorder, and precisely what these members of Congress ... are fundamentally supporting."