Pennsylvania Democratic Congressman Chris Deluzio said he will not be intimidated after Trump said that Democratic lawmakers who urged US military and intelligence personnel to reject illegal orders should be arrested—and even face death.
Trump’s comments came in response to a video featuring Deluzio, a US Naval Academy graduate and a former active-duty surface warfare officer, and five other lawmakers, all of whom are military veterans or former national security officials.
Democratic Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, of eastern Pennsylvania and an Air Force veteran, and Michigan Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin, a former CIA intelligence analyst, were also featured in the video.
Incensed by the lawmakers’ remarks, Trump said such lawmakers should be put on trial for “seditious behavior,” later adding, “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!” He then reposted a message declaring, “HANG THEM, GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD!”
Deluzio then responded in a video statement:
“Today, Donald Trump called for my death,” he said, adding that the former president appeared unwilling to accept basic constitutional principles taught to service members and elected officials alike.
“These are bedrock principles in our country—that you follow lawful orders, that loyalty to the Constitution comes above all,” Deluzio said.
[Postindustrial sits down with Democratic Pennsylvania Rep. Chris Deluzio]
Despite threats, Deluzio said he remains committed to his responsibilities as a lawmaker.
“I will not be intimidated or deterred from doing my duty—to represent the people who sent me to Congress and to uphold my oath to the Constitution,” he said.
The confrontation marks one of the latest flashpoints in the intensifying political climate as Trump continues to attack opponents he views as disloyal or obstructive.
