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Democratic officials expressed outrage after Donald Trump alleged a coalition of Democratic representatives of being "betrayers" and declared they should be detained and sentenced "through capital punishment" following their posting of a disputed video.

The Content That Triggered the Dispute

The video footage, released on earlier this week, includes six Democratic elected officials who in the past worked in military or intelligence positions.

"Like us, you all made an pledge to safeguard and defend this national charter," the representatives affirmed in the 90-second video. "At present, the dangers to our governing document don't only come from foreign nations, but from domestically. Our laws are unambiguous, you can refuse illegal orders, you can decline unlawful commands, you must refuse illegal orders. No one has to follow commands that contravene the legal system or our national charter."

Donald Trump's Incensed Reply

The clip reportedly provoke a furious reaction from the ex-president.

On the following morning, Trump posted on Truth Social: "This constitutes SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL. Each one of these turncoats to our Nation should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL."

In an additional post, he declared: "This is really bad, and Risky to our United States. Their comments cannot be allowed to remain. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???"

In a third message, he added: "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, liable by DEATH!" He also reposted a statement that said: "HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !!"

Opposition Leaders React

Following Trump's statements on Thursday, House Democratic leader released a combined announcement condemning the statements.

"Political violence has no role in the United States," they stated. "Elected officials who appeared in the video all served our United States with great loyalty and honor. We strongly denounce Donald Trump's disgusting and risky calls for execution against elected officials, and appeal to House Republicans to vigorously do the same."

The opposition officials also said that they had been in touch with protective services "to guarantee the protection of these members and their families."

"Donald Trump must right away take down these radical social media posts and retract his violent rhetoric before he causes harm," the declaration stated.

Officials' Defiant Response

The lawmakers who were featured in the video also published a declaration.

"We identify as ex-military personnel and security experts who value this country and swore an oath to protect and defend the constitution of the United States," they said. "Our pledge continues forever, and we plan to maintain it. No intimidation, pressure, or incitement will prevent us from that important obligation."

"What's most telling is that the president views it subject to penalty by execution for us to restate the legal requirements," they stated. "Military personnel should recognize that we have their backs as they execute their vow to the founding principles and obligation to adhere to only lawful orders. It is not only the correct thing to do, but also our duty."

They added: "Every American must join forces and condemn the president's calls for our execution and political violence. This is a moment for principled stance."

Additional Political Responses

The Senate Democratic leader also censured Trump's remarks and shared on social media: "It's important to understand: the President of the United States is requesting the death of elected officials."

He added: "This is an clear THREAT. All senators, all representatives, the entire nation – without partisan consideration – should condemn this without delay and unconditionally."

The Conservative official justified Trump's claim that the Democrats had participated in "sedition", describing the video as "extremely improper", stating: "It is very dangerous, you have important representatives of Congress telling troops to defy commands, I think that is without precedent in US history."

The Conservative representative also according to sources told media outlets that in what he read of Trump's messages, Trump was "defining the crime of sedition" but that "lawyers have to analyze the language and determine all that."

Executive Branch Statement

During a executive branch meeting on that day, when asked by a media member, "Does the president want to put to death elected officials?", the executive branch representative answered: "No."

"We should understand about what the ex-commander in chief is reacting to," the spokesperson stated. "You have active officials of the US Congress who conspired to arrange a digital communication to individuals of the national defense, to serving soldiers urging them to disobey the executive's proper directives."

She stated: "The sanctity of our defense system rests on the hierarchy, and if that chain of command is violated, it can cause casualties, it can cause confusion, and that's what these members of Congress ... are essentially supporting."