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Lawmakers from the Democratic party expressed outrage after former President Donald Trump charged a contingent of Democratic congress members of being "traitors" and stated they should be detained and penalized "by death" following their posting of a controversial video.

The Message That Provoked the Debate

The clip, released on Tuesday, showcases six Democratic lawmakers who in the past acted in military or intelligence positions.

"As we did, you all took an pledge to safeguard and defend this founding document," the lawmakers stated in the short video. "At present, the dangers to our democratic foundation aren't just from foreign nations, but from right here at home. Our laws are clear, you can decline unlawful commands, you can reject illegal orders, you must reject illegal orders. No one has to follow orders that contravene the statutes or our national charter."

Donald Trump's Furious Reaction

The recorded statement seemed to trigger a angry reaction from the previous commander-in-chief.

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

In another publication, he declared: "This is really concerning, and Dangerous to our United States. Their comments cannot be enabled to persist. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???"

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

Opposition Officials Answer

Following Trump's statements on Thursday, House Democratic leader issued a joint announcement censuring the remarks.

"Partisan aggression has no position in America," they stated. "Elected officials who were featured in the video all served our nation with tremendous patriotism and excellence. We unequivocally censure Donald Trump's disgusting and risky calls for execution against elected officials, and call on Republican lawmakers to vigorously do the same."

The opposition officials also mentioned that they had been in communication with protective services "to ensure the security of these members and their relatives."

"Donald Trump must immediately delete these radical digital publications and withdraw his aggressive language before he causes harm," the statement added.

Representatives' Defiant Response

The lawmakers who appeared in the video also released a statement.

"We identify as ex-military personnel and defense specialists who love this nation and made an pledge to protect and support the founding document of the United States," they stated. "That oath lasts a lifetime, and we aim to maintain it. No warning, coercion, or promotion of aggression will prevent us from that sacred obligation."

"What's most telling is that the president considers it subject to penalty by capital punishment for us to restate the legal requirements," they stated. "Military personnel should recognize that we have their support as they fulfill their vow to the national charter and duty to follow only lawful orders. It is not only the correct thing to do, but also our duty."

They stated: "All citizens must unite and denounce the former president's demands for our murder and political violence. This is a time for moral clarity."

Further Political Comments

The Opposition leader also censured Trump's remarks and shared on social media: "We must be absolutely clear: the former president is demanding the execution of public representatives."

He stated: "This represents an direct THREAT. Every Senator, all representatives, every American – without partisan consideration – should censure this without delay and unconditionally."

The GOP leader supported Trump's allegation that the Democrats had engaged in "treason", characterizing the video as "highly unsuitable", commenting: "This represents very risky, you have leading members of the legislature telling troops to defy commands, I think that's unprecedented in the nation's past."

The Republican leader also according to sources told journalists that in what he examined of Trump's messages, Trump was "explaining the violation of rebellion" but that "attorneys have to parse the wording and establish all that."

White House Response

During a administration briefing on that day, when inquired by a journalist, "Would the president want to put to death elected officials?", the administration spokesperson responded: "Absolutely not."

"It's important to note about what the president is reacting to," the spokesperson said. "You have current representatives of the US Congress who coordinated to organize a recorded statement to members of the US military, to current military personnel advising them to defy the commander in chief's lawful orders."

She stated: "The integrity of our military rests on the chain of command, and if that chain of command is broken, it can result in casualties, it can lead to disorder, and precisely what these members of Congress ... are basically encouraging."