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Democratic officials voiced outrage after former President Donald Trump alleged a group of Democratic legislators of being "traitors" and stated they should be taken into custody and sentenced "by death" following their release of a contentious video.

The Content That Provoked the Dispute

The recorded message, released on earlier this week, showcases six Democratic elected officials who formerly worked in armed forces or security roles.

"Like us, you all took an vow to safeguard and support this constitution," the lawmakers affirmed in the 90-second video. "And right now, the risks to our democratic foundation aren't just from abroad, but from domestically. Our regulations are clear, you can decline illegal orders, you can reject unlawful commands, you must reject illegal orders. No one has to follow directives that break the law or our national charter."

Trump's Furious Response

The clip seemed to prompt a heated reply from the ex-president.

On the following morning, Trump wrote on Truth Social: "It's called SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL. Each one of these traitors to our Nation should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL."

In a separate message, he declared: "This constitutes really serious, and Harmful to our Nation. Their statements cannot be permitted to remain. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???"

In a subsequent publication, he stated: "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, subject to punishment by DEATH!" He also reposted a statement that read: "HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !!"

Party Officials React

Following Trump's statements on that day, Democratic leadership released a combined statement denouncing the statements.

"Partisan aggression has no role in America," they declared. "Elected officials who participated in the video all served our nation with tremendous patriotism and excellence. We strongly censure Donald Trump's offensive and risky calls for execution against members of Congress, and urge GOP representatives to forcefully do the same."

The opposition officials also said that they had been in touch with protective services "to make certain the security of these members and their families."

"Donald Trump must immediately remove these extreme social media posts and recant his dangerous discourse before he gets someone killed," the announcement continued.

Officials' Defiant Reaction

The representatives who were featured in the video also released a declaration.

"We serve as ex-military personnel and defense specialists who value this United States and made an oath to protect and uphold the national charter of the United States," they stated. "Our pledge lasts a lifetime, and we aim to honor it. No intimidation, pressure, or promotion of aggression will prevent us from that fundamental responsibility."

"What's most telling is that the president views it liable to punishment by execution for us to reiterate the statutes," they stated. "Military personnel should know that we have their support as they carry out their oath to the founding principles and obligation to adhere to only legal commands. It is not only the right thing to do, but also our responsibility."

They stated: "All citizens must join forces and censure the president's requests for our murder and political violence. This is a period for principled stance."

More Political Responses

The Democratic Senate minority leader also condemned Trump's statements and posted on online networks: "We must be absolutely clear: the former president is requesting the capital punishment of public representatives."

He stated: "This is an direct THREAT. Each congressional member, all representatives, every American – regardless of party – should censure this without delay and absolutely."

The GOP leader justified Trump's allegation that the Democrats had been involved in "rebellion", describing the video as "highly unsuitable", adding: "This represents very dangerous, you have prominent officials of Congress telling military personnel to disobey orders, I think that represents unprecedented in the nation's past."

The Republican leader also allegedly told media outlets that in what he read of Trump's posts, Trump was "describing the crime of rebellion" but that "lawyers have to examine the terminology and decide all that."

Administration Reaction

During a White House press conference on later that day, when questioned by a journalist, "Would the president want to put to death congressional representatives?", the White House press secretary replied: "Certainly not."

"Let's be clear about what the ex-commander in chief is addressing," the representative declared. "You have current representatives of the federal government who worked together to orchestrate a video message to personnel of the national defense, to serving soldiers urging them to disobey the president's lawful orders."

She added: "The purity of our defense system rests on the chain of command, and if that structure is compromised, it can result in fatalities, it can cause chaos, and that's what these congressional representatives ... are fundamentally supporting."