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Democratic officials expressed anger after former President Donald Trump alleged a contingent of Democratic congress members of being "turncoats" and stated they should be detained and penalized "by death" following their posting of a contentious video.

The Message That Provoked the Controversy

The clip, released on earlier this week, showcases six Democratic lawmakers who previously worked in military or intelligence roles.

"Like us, you all took an oath to safeguard and uphold this founding document," the officials stated in the 90-second video. "At present, the dangers to our constitution are not only from abroad, but from right here at home. Our laws are unambiguous, you can decline unlawful commands, you can reject improper directives, you should refuse unlawful commands. No one has to execute directives that violate the law or our constitution."

The Former President's Incensed Response

The video message seemed to prompt a angry reply from the ex-president.

On Thursday morning, Trump published on Truth Social: "It's called SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL. Each one of these turncoats to our Nation should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL."

In a separate publication, he wrote: "This constitutes really serious, and Dangerous to our Nation. Their words cannot be allowed to persist. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???"

In a subsequent publication, he continued: "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, subject to punishment by DEATH!" He also shared a statement that read: "HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !!"

Democratic Leaders Respond

Following Trump's remarks on that day, Democratic leadership published a joint announcement condemning the comments.

"Political violence has no place in this nation," they wrote. "Elected officials who appeared in the video all acted our country with great loyalty and excellence. We unequivocally censure Donald Trump's appalling and risky calls for execution against congressional representatives, and urge Republican lawmakers to vigorously do the same."

The opposition officials also mentioned that they had been in communication with security officials "to make certain the safety of these members and their relatives."

"Donald Trump must right away delete these extreme digital publications and recant his dangerous language before he leads to violence," the announcement stated.

Lawmakers' Defiant Reaction

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

"We identify as ex-military personnel and security experts who care for this country and made an oath to defend and uphold the founding document of the United States," they stated. "Our pledge lasts a lifetime, and we aim to honor it. No warning, coercion, or incitement will deter us from that important obligation."

"The most revealing aspect is that the former president deems it liable to punishment by death for us to repeat the law," they stated. "Armed forces members should know that we have their protection as they fulfill their vow to the national charter and obligation to follow only proper directives. It is not only the right thing to do, but also our responsibility."

They continued: "All citizens must come together and denounce the president's requests for our murder and partisan aggression. This is a time for moral clarity."

More Partisan Comments

The Senate Democratic leader also denounced Trump's remarks and published on social media: "It's important to understand: the former president is requesting the execution of elected officials."

He added: "This is an clear THREAT. All senators, each house member, all citizens – irrespective of political affiliation – should censure this right away and unconditionally."

The Conservative official defended Trump's allegation that the Democrats had been involved in "treason", labeling the video as "extremely improper", adding: "It is very harmful, you have important representatives of Congress telling military personnel to disobey orders, I think that's historic in the nation's past."

The Conservative representative also allegedly told journalists that in what he read of Trump's posts, Trump was "explaining the offense of sedition" but that "legal experts have to analyze the terminology and establish all that."

Executive Branch Response

During a White House press conference on Thursday afternoon, when asked by a reporter, "Is the president want to execute members of Congress?", the administration spokesperson replied: "No."

"It's important to note about what the ex-commander in chief is addressing," the spokesperson said. "There are sitting members of the US Congress who conspired to organize a digital communication to individuals of the US military, to serving soldiers advising them to disobey the executive's lawful orders."

She said: "The integrity of our armed forces relies on the hierarchy, and if that system is compromised, it can cause people getting killed, it can result in chaos, and that is exactly what these congressional representatives ... are fundamentally encouraging."