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Democratic officials expressed fury after former President Donald Trump accused a group of Democratic legislators of being "turncoats" and stated they should be arrested and punished "with execution" following their release of a disputed video.

The Recording That Provoked the Controversy

The recorded message, published on Tuesday, includes six Democratic elected officials who formerly acted in defense or defense roles.

"Similar to us, you all took an vow to protect and support this constitution," the representatives affirmed in the 90-second video. "At present, the risks to our democratic foundation aren't just from foreign nations, but from within our own country. Our statutes are explicit, you can decline illegal orders, you can refuse improper directives, you should refuse illegal orders. No one has to carry out directives that break the law or our national charter."

Donald Trump's Furious Reaction

The clip appeared to prompt a furious reaction from the former president.

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

In a separate publication, he declared: "This is really serious, and Dangerous to our Nation. Their words cannot be allowed to stand. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???"

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

Democratic Representatives Respond

Following Trump's remarks on Thursday, House Democratic leader published a combined statement condemning the statements.

"Partisan aggression has no place in the United States," they declared. "Elected officials who participated in the video all acted our United States with exceptional national pride and distinction. We clearly denounce Donald Trump's offensive and risky death threats against congressional representatives, and urge House Republicans to forcefully do the same."

The Democratic leaders also mentioned that they had been in contact with protective services "to make certain the safety of these officials and their relatives."

"Donald Trump must immediately delete these unhinged online messages and retract his aggressive language before he leads to violence," the announcement stated.

Representatives' Strong Answer

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

"We are ex-military personnel and security experts who care for this nation and took an vow to safeguard and uphold the constitution of the United States," they declared. "Our pledge continues forever, and we aim to maintain it. No warning, intimidation, or call for violence will prevent us from that sacred obligation."

"What's most telling is that the ex-president considers it subject to penalty by death for us to reiterate the law," they added. "Our service members should know that we have their protection as they fulfill their pledge to the national charter and duty to follow only legal commands. It is not only the proper thing to do, but also our responsibility."

They continued: "Every American must unite and censure the ex-president's calls for our murder and partisan aggression. This is a time for principled stance."

Additional Governmental Reactions

The Senate Democratic leader also condemned Trump's statements and posted on online networks: "We must be absolutely clear: the ex-commander in chief is demanding the death of elected officials."

He added: "This represents an direct THREAT. All senators, all representatives, the entire nation – without partisan consideration – should censure this right away and unconditionally."

The Republican House speaker supported Trump's assertion that the Democrats had engaged in "rebellion", characterizing the video as "wildly inappropriate", adding: "It is very risky, you have prominent officials of the legislature advising military personnel to ignore directives, I think that is historic in American history."

The Conservative representative also reportedly informed journalists that in what he reviewed of Trump's messages, Trump was "explaining the offense of treason" but that "lawyers have to analyze the wording and determine all that."

White House Response

During a administration briefing on that day, when questioned by a media member, "Would the president want to put to death members of Congress?", the White House press secretary replied: "Certainly not."

"We should understand about what the former president is addressing," the representative said. "There are active officials of the federal government who conspired to orchestrate a recorded statement to personnel of the national defense, to serving soldiers encouraging them to ignore the president's lawful orders."

She said: "The integrity of our defense system depends on the chain of command, and if that structure is violated, it can lead to casualties, it can lead to confusion, and that's what these congressional representatives ... are fundamentally promoting."