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A collection of Democrat politicians labeled by Donald Trump as engaging in “subversive conduct” have claimed that the US leader is using the FBI against them as a “tool to intimidate and harass members of Congress.”

The four politicians, along with two additional members, had produced a video encouraging US military service members to disobey illegal commands – a message that angered Trump, who posted on social media that the individuals were “traitors” and thus could be jailed or even be subject to capital punishment.

A statement, issued by US representatives Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, and Maggie Goodlander, verified that the Federal Bureau of Investigation had reached out to the House and Senate sergeants at arms seeking discussions with them.

“No amount of intimidation or harassment will ever stop us from doing our jobs and upholding the Constitution,” they stated, adding that they had each taken a vow “to uphold and protect” the US constitution.

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

The declaration intensifies a dispute between the president’s team and Democrats, including the senator from Arizona and former astronaut Senator Kelly and the Michigan representative Representative Slotkin, over the video message, which advised the armed forces and intelligence personnel to “disregard unlawful commands.”

Slotkin said the counter-terrorism unit of the FBI had notified the group that “they are opening what seems like an investigation targeting the six individuals” and described the move as a “scare tactic” by Trump.

“To be honest, the leader’s response and the deployment of the FBI to target us is exactly why we created the message,” she said.

“He believes in using 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 rules govern his actions … which is exactly why we made the video, to offer reassurance that they weren’t alone as they watch this stuff unfold.”

The Pentagon has also said it is performing an examination of misconduct allegations against Kelly that might, it said, lead to his return to military service to undergo a military trial.