Former President Donald Trump has drawn sharp criticism from Democratic leaders after he accused six Democratic lawmakers of “seditious behavior” in a post that Democrats say inflames political tensions and endangers public safety.
Trump targeted the lawmakers over a video where they urged military personnel to refuse unlawful orders, dubbing their actions “punishable by death,” rhetoric widely condemned as dangerous and incendiary.
Senate Majority and House Democratic leaders called Trump’s accusations reckless and inflammatory, demanding the removal of the posts, while the accused lawmakers stood firm in their commitment to lawful dissent.
The controversy marks a troubling escalation in the political climate, with critics warning that such incendiary language risks undermining democratic norms and fueling violence
Houlahan said in an interview, “This is the president of the United States calling for the death of a member of Congress, six members of Congress, and that is a different brand of political violence and political retribution.”
Schumer told reporters at the Capitol that he asked for special Capitol Police protection for Senators Slotkin and Kelly.
He said “every American, regardless of party,” should condemn the president’s words “immediately and without qualification,” adding, “if we don’t draw a line here, there is no line left to draw.”
He must be condemned forcefully, loudly and without excuses, before someone takes his words as permission to do the unthinkable,” Schumer said. “Anything less enables the flames of hatred to grow and spread.”
Democratic leaders in the House likewise condemned what they called the “disgusting and dangerous death threats against Members of Congress,” calling on Republicans to do the same. The Democrats said they have been in contact with the House Sergeant at Arms and the United States Capitol Police to “ensure the safety of these Members and their families.”
“Donald Trump must immediately delete these unhinged social media posts and recant his violent rhetoric before he gets someone killed,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar said in a joint statement.