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Democratic officials demonstrated anger after Donald Trump alleged a group of Democratic legislators of being "betrayers" and stated they should be arrested and punished "by death" following their posting of a controversial video.

The Recording That Sparked the Controversy

The clip, published on earlier this week, showcases six Democratic elected officials who previously worked in defense or defense positions.

"As we did, you all took an pledge to defend and defend this national charter," the lawmakers affirmed in the short video. "Currently, the dangers to our democratic foundation don't only come from overseas, but from right here at home. Our regulations are clear, you can refuse improper directives, you can refuse unlawful commands, you should decline unlawful commands. No one has to execute orders that contravene the law or our constitution."

Donald Trump's Incensed Response

The recorded statement seemed to prompt a angry reaction from the ex-president.

On later in the week, Trump posted 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 another publication, he wrote: "This constitutes really bad, and Risky to our Country. Their statements cannot be permitted to stand. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???"

In a third message, he added: "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, subject to punishment by DEATH!" He also redistributed a declaration that stated: "HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !!"

Democratic Officials Respond

Following Trump's statements on Thursday, Top Democrats published a joint announcement censuring the statements.

"Partisan aggression has no place in the United States," they wrote. "Congress members who were featured in the video all served our nation with great patriotism and honor. We strongly denounce Donald Trump's offensive and harmful death threats against members of Congress, and appeal to Republican lawmakers to vigorously do the same."

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

"Donald Trump must without delay take down these unhinged social media posts and withdraw his dangerous rhetoric before he causes harm," the declaration continued.

Officials' Firm Reaction

The representatives who appeared in the video also released a declaration.

"We are veterans and national security professionals who value this United States and took an vow to safeguard 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 stop us from that important responsibility."

"The most revealing aspect is that the president deems it liable to punishment by execution for us to repeat the legal requirements," they stated. "Our service members should recognize that we have their backs as they fulfill their oath to the national charter and obligation to adhere to only proper directives. It is not only the correct thing to do, but also our duty."

They added: "Every American must unite and denounce the president's calls for our death and ideological conflict. This is a time for moral clarity."

Additional Political Responses

The Senate Democratic leader also denounced Trump's remarks and posted on online networks: "We must be absolutely clear: the ex-commander in chief is calling for the capital punishment of public representatives."

He continued: "This represents an direct THREAT. Every Senator, every Representative, all citizens – irrespective of political affiliation – should censure this right away and without qualification."

The Conservative official supported Trump's assertion that the Democrats had been involved in "treason", labeling the video as "highly unsuitable", stating: "This represents very dangerous, you have leading members of the legislature advising soldiers to ignore directives, I think that's historic in the nation's past."

The Conservative representative also reportedly stated to media outlets that in what he read of Trump's posts, Trump was "explaining the offense of sedition" but that "legal experts have to examine the wording and decide all that."

Administration Reaction

During a administration briefing on that day, when questioned by a media member, "Would the president want to put to death congressional representatives?", the administration spokesperson answered: "Absolutely not."

"It's important to note about what the ex-commander in chief is addressing," the official declared. "There are active officials of the federal government who worked together to orchestrate a recorded statement to members of the American armed forces, to serving soldiers encouraging them to defy the president's legal commands."

She stated: "The sanctity of our defense system relies on the hierarchy, and if that chain of command is broken, it can result in casualties, it can lead to disorder, and that's what these elected officials ... are basically supporting."