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Democratic officials expressed anger after the ex-president charged a coalition of Democratic legislators of being "betrayers" and declared they should be arrested and punished "by death" following their posting of a controversial video.

The Recording That Sparked the Dispute

The recorded message, released on Tuesday, features six Democratic lawmakers who previously acted in defense or security capacities.

"Similar to us, you all made an pledge to protect and uphold this founding document," the officials declared in the brief video. "Currently, the threats to our democratic foundation aren't just from abroad, but from right here at home. Our laws are explicit, you can decline improper directives, you can refuse unlawful commands, you should refuse improper directives. No one has to execute directives that break the law or our constitution."

The Former President's Angry Reaction

The clip appeared to prompt a furious response from the previous commander-in-chief.

On Thursday morning, Trump published on Truth Social: "This represents SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL. Each one of these traitors to our Country should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL."

In an additional message, he stated: "This is really bad, and Harmful to our Country. Their statements cannot be permitted to persist. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???"

In a subsequent publication, he added: "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, liable by DEATH!" He also shared a statement that stated: "HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !!"

Opposition Leaders React

Following Trump's statements on that day, Top Democrats released a joint declaration censuring the remarks.

"Partisan aggression has no role in the United States," they wrote. "Representatives who were featured in the video all acted our United States with exceptional patriotism and distinction. We unequivocally condemn Donald Trump's disgusting and dangerous threats of violence against elected officials, and call on House Republicans to vigorously do the same."

The opposition officials also stated that they had been in touch with law enforcement "to ensure the protection of these officials and their loved ones."

"Donald Trump must immediately remove these extreme digital publications and retract his aggressive rhetoric before he leads to violence," the announcement stated.

Representatives' Firm Response

The lawmakers who participated in the video also issued a response.

"We are former service members and national security professionals who love this nation and swore an pledge to defend and support the national charter of the United States," they stated. "That oath continues forever, and we aim to maintain it. No threat, pressure, or incitement will stop us from that fundamental obligation."

"The significant point is that the president considers it liable to punishment by execution for us to reiterate the law," they continued. "Military personnel should understand that we have their protection as they carry out their pledge to the national charter and obligation to follow only lawful orders. It is not only the proper thing to do, but also our obligation."

They stated: "The entire nation must unite and censure the ex-president's requests for our murder and ideological conflict. This is a moment for principled stance."

Further Governmental Responses

The Democratic Senate minority leader also condemned Trump's remarks and posted on online networks: "We must be absolutely clear: the ex-commander in chief is demanding the capital punishment of elected officials."

He stated: "This represents an direct THREAT. Every Senator, each house member, all citizens – regardless of party – should denounce this without delay and absolutely."

The Republican House speaker defended Trump's allegation that the Democrats had participated in "rebellion", characterizing the video as "extremely improper", commenting: "This constitutes very dangerous, you have prominent officials of the government advising troops to ignore directives, I think that's historic in US history."

The Republican leader also reportedly told journalists that in what he read of Trump's publications, Trump was "describing the offense of sedition" but that "attorneys have to examine the wording and determine all that."

Administration Response

During a White House press conference on later that day, when asked by a reporter, "Would the president want to put to death congressional representatives?", the White House press secretary responded: "Absolutely not."

"We should understand about what the former president is responding to," the representative stated. "There are current representatives of the US Congress who coordinated to orchestrate a digital communication to personnel of the American armed forces, to active duty service members urging them to ignore the president's proper directives."

She said: "The purity of our military depends on the hierarchy, and if that structure is compromised, it can lead to people getting killed, it can lead to chaos, and that is exactly what these congressional representatives ... are fundamentally encouraging."