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Democratic officials demonstrated outrage after Donald Trump charged a contingent of Democratic representatives of being "betrayers" and asserted they should be arrested and punished "with execution" following their release of a contentious video.

The Message That Provoked the Dispute

The video footage, released on earlier this week, includes six Democratic congress members who formerly worked in military or security roles.

"Like us, you all made an oath to protect and uphold this national charter," the officials declared in the 90-second video. "And right now, the threats to our democratic foundation aren't just from overseas, but from within our own country. Our laws are clear, you can reject unlawful commands, you can decline improper directives, you should reject improper directives. No one has to execute commands that break the legal system or our founding principles."

Trump's Furious Reaction

The recorded statement appeared to provoke a furious reaction from the ex-president.

On later in the week, Trump published on Truth Social: "This constitutes SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL. Each one of these betrayers to our Country should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL."

In a separate message, he wrote: "This represents really serious, and Harmful to our United States. Their words cannot be allowed to remain. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???"

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

Opposition Leaders Respond

Following Trump's statements on Thursday, Democratic leadership issued a joint declaration censuring the remarks.

"Partisan aggression has no role in America," they wrote. "Elected officials who were featured in the video all worked our country with tremendous patriotism and distinction. We strongly censure Donald Trump's offensive and dangerous death threats against members of Congress, and urge Republican lawmakers to forcefully do the same."

The party representatives also mentioned that they had been in communication with law enforcement "to ensure the protection of these members and their relatives."

"Donald Trump must immediately remove these extreme social media posts and recant his violent discourse before he leads to violence," the statement added.

Officials' Defiant Reaction

The officials who appeared in the video also issued a response.

"We serve as veterans and national security professionals who care for this country and made an pledge to defend and support the constitution of the United States," they stated. "That oath continues forever, and we intend to maintain it. No intimidation, pressure, or incitement will stop us from that fundamental responsibility."

"The most revealing aspect is that the former president views it subject to penalty by death for us to restate the statutes," they added. "Our service members should understand that we have their protection as they carry out their vow to the constitution and obligation to obey only proper directives. It is not only the proper thing to do, but also our duty."

They stated: "All citizens must join forces and denounce the president's requests for our death and political violence. This is a moment for moral clarity."

Further Partisan Responses

The Senate Democratic leader also denounced Trump's statements and published on digital platforms: "It's important to understand: the former president is calling for the execution of government members."

He added: "This constitutes an direct THREAT. Every Senator, all representatives, the entire nation – regardless of party – should condemn this without delay and absolutely."

The Republican House speaker defended Trump's assertion that the Democrats had engaged in "rebellion", labeling the video as "wildly inappropriate", adding: "It is very dangerous, you have leading members of the government instructing troops to disobey orders, I think that represents unprecedented in US history."

The GOP official also reportedly told the press that in what he examined of Trump's posts, Trump was "explaining the offense of sedition" but that "lawyers have to parse the terminology and determine all that."

Administration Statement

During a White House press conference on Thursday afternoon, when inquired by a journalist, "Would the president want to execute elected officials?", the White House press secretary answered: "Absolutely not."

"It's important to note about what the ex-commander in chief is addressing," the official said. "There are current representatives of the US Congress who coordinated to organize a video message to members of the American armed forces, to active duty service members advising them to defy the commander in chief's lawful orders."

She stated: "The integrity of our military rests on the hierarchy, and if that system is compromised, it can result in fatalities, it can result in disorder, and that is exactly what these elected officials ... are essentially encouraging."