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Democratic officials expressed outrage after the ex-president charged a group of Democratic legislators of being "betrayers" and stated they should be detained and sentenced "by death" following their publication of a disputed video.

The Message That Provoked the Controversy

The video footage, shared on earlier this week, showcases six Democratic lawmakers who previously served in military or defense roles.

"As we did, you all took an pledge to protect and uphold this national charter," the lawmakers affirmed in the short video. "Currently, the threats to our governing document are not only from foreign nations, but from right here at home. Our laws are clear, you can decline unlawful commands, you can reject illegal orders, you must decline illegal orders. No one has to carry out orders that break the statutes or our national charter."

Donald Trump's Furious Reply

The video message reportedly trigger a furious reply from the former president.

On later in the week, Trump posted on his preferred platform: "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 an additional post, he wrote: "This constitutes really concerning, and Risky to our United States. Their statements cannot be allowed to persist. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???"

In a third post, he added: "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, liable by DEATH!" He also redistributed a comment that said: "HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !!"

Party Officials Answer

Following Trump's remarks on that day, House Democratic leader released a joint announcement denouncing the remarks.

"Violent politics has no role in this nation," they stated. "Elected officials who participated in the video all served our country with exceptional loyalty and distinction. We clearly censure Donald Trump's appalling and dangerous calls for execution against members of Congress, and call on Republican lawmakers to vigorously do the same."

The Democratic leaders also stated that they had been in touch with protective services "to guarantee the safety of these officials and their relatives."

"Donald Trump must right away delete these radical digital publications and withdraw his dangerous rhetoric before he leads to violence," the announcement stated.

Officials' Defiant Answer

The representatives who appeared in the video also issued a statement.

"We serve as former service members and security experts who care for this nation and swore an oath to safeguard and uphold the national charter of the United States," they stated. "That oath is permanent, and we aim to maintain it. No threat, intimidation, or promotion of aggression will prevent us from that sacred responsibility."

"The most revealing aspect is that the president views it liable to punishment by execution for us to restate the statutes," they continued. "Our service members should recognize that we have their support as they fulfill their pledge to the national charter and responsibility to adhere to only lawful orders. It is not only the right thing to do, but also our obligation."

They added: "Every American must come together and condemn the president's demands for our murder and political violence. This is a moment for moral clarity."

More Governmental Reactions

The Senate Democratic leader also censured Trump's comments and published on online networks: "Let's be crystal clear: the ex-commander in chief is demanding the capital punishment of government members."

He added: "This is an direct THREAT. All senators, all representatives, the entire nation – irrespective of political affiliation – should censure this right away and without qualification."

The Conservative official supported Trump's claim that the Democrats had participated in "treason", characterizing the video as "highly unsuitable", commenting: "It is very risky, you have prominent officials of Congress instructing military personnel to defy commands, I think that's unprecedented in American history."

The Republican leader also allegedly stated to media outlets that in what he reviewed of Trump's posts, Trump was "defining the crime of treason" but that "attorneys have to examine the terminology and determine all that."

Executive Branch Statement

During a executive branch meeting on that day, when questioned by a journalist, "Is the president want to kill congressional representatives?", the administration spokesperson answered: "Absolutely not."

"It's important to note about what the ex-commander in chief is reacting to," the representative said. "There are current representatives of the federal government who worked together to organize a recorded statement to individuals of the national defense, to current military personnel encouraging them to defy the president's proper directives."

She stated: "The sanctity of our military relies on the hierarchy, and if that chain of command is broken, it can cause fatalities, it can lead to chaos, and that is exactly what these elected officials ... are basically encouraging."