Fury Erupts Over Trump's 'Execution' Demand for Democratic Lawmakers
Former US President Donald Trump has provoked outrage after using his social media platform to call for the execution of several elected Democratic officials. The incendiary posts, made on Truth Social, accused the lawmakers of "seditious behaviour, punishable by DEATH".
The Provocative Video and Trump's Reaction
The controversy began when six Democratic lawmakers, all with backgrounds in military or intelligence service, released a video on Tuesday. The group, featuring Senators Elissa Slotkin and Mark Kelly, alongside Representatives Maggie Goodlander, Chris Deluzio, Chrissy Houlahan, and Jason Crow, addressed active service members.
In the 90-second clip, they stated, "Like us, you all swore an oath to protect and defend this constitution... Our laws are clear, you can refuse illegal orders, you must refuse illegal orders. No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our constitution."
Trump's response on Thursday morning was swift and severe. He posted a series of messages, one reading, "It's called SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL. Each one of these traitors to our Country should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL." In another, he declared, "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!" He also reposted a statement that said, "HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !!"
Bipartisan Condemnation and Defence
Democratic leaders were quick to condemn the remarks. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer posted on X, "Let's be crystal clear: the President of the United States is calling for the execution of elected officials. This is an outright THREAT. Every Senator, every Representative, every American – regardless of party – should condemn this immediately."
House Democratic leaders Hakeem Jeffries, Katherine Clark, and Pete Aguilar released a joint statement, saying, "Political violence has no place in America... We unequivocally condemn Donald Trump's disgusting and dangerous death threats against members of Congress."
However, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson defended Trump's characterisation of the Democrats' actions as "sedition", describing the video as "wildly inappropriate" and "very dangerous".
Other Key Developments
In related political news, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed he would negotiate with Donald Trump on a US-backed peace plan involving concessions to Russia. Furthermore, the Trump administration announced new oil and gas drilling off the coasts of California and Florida, a move set to cause political friction. A controversial change was also made to a CDC website regarding vaccine safety, aligning with the views of Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, despite scientific consensus to the contrary.
