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A collection of Democrat politicians labeled by Donald Trump as involved in “seditious behavior” have claimed that the president is using the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to target them as a “tool to intimidate and harass members of Congress.”

The group of four elected officials, together with two others, had produced a recorded message urging American troops to disobey illegal commands – a statement that provoked Trump, who posted on social media that the group were “disloyal citizens” and thus might face imprisonment or even be subject to capital punishment.

An announcement, released by US representatives the Colorado congressman, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, and the New Hampshire lawmaker, confirmed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation had contacted the Congressional security officials seeking discussions with them.

“Regardless of any pressure or threats will ever prevent us from fulfilling our duties and honoring our constitution,” they said, adding that they had each taken a vow “to support and defend” the US constitution.

“That commitment is permanent, and we plan to honor it. We refuse to be intimidated. We will never give up the ship,” they added.

The statement intensifies a conflict between the president’s team and Democrats, including Arizona senator and former astronaut Senator Kelly and Michigan congresswoman Representative Slotkin, over the video message, which urged the military and intelligence services members to “refuse illegal orders.”

Slotkin said the FBI’s counter-terrorism division had notified the group that “they are opening what seems like an investigation against the six of us” and described the action as a “scare tactic” by Trump.

“Frankly, the leader’s response and the use of the FBI against us is exactly why we made the video,” she explained.

“He supports utilizing the federal government to oppose those he views as opponents, and he’s willing to employ the government agencies against people he disagrees with. He does not believe the law applies to him … which is precisely the reason we produced the recording, to offer reassurance that they weren’t alone as they watch this stuff unfold.”

The Pentagon has additionally stated it is conducting a review of misconduct allegations involving the senator that could, it said, lead to his return to military service to undergo a military trial.