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Democratic officials demonstrated outrage after the ex-president alleged a group of Democratic representatives of being "betrayers" and asserted they should be taken into custody and punished "with execution" following their posting of a contentious video.

The Message That Triggered the Dispute

The video footage, released on earlier this week, features six Democratic congress members who in the past acted in military or defense positions.

"Like us, you all took an oath to defend and uphold this national charter," the representatives declared in the brief video. "Currently, the risks to our democratic foundation aren't just from overseas, but from right here at home. Our statutes are clear, you can refuse improper directives, you can refuse improper directives, you have to refuse improper directives. No one has to carry out directives that contravene the statutes or our national charter."

Donald Trump's Angry Reply

The recorded statement seemed to prompt a heated response from the ex-president.

On later in the week, Trump published on his preferred platform: "It's called SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL. Each one of these betrayers to our United States should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL."

In a separate post, he declared: "This is really serious, and Harmful to our United States. Their comments cannot be enabled to stand. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???"

In a third post, he stated: "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, liable by DEATH!" He also reposted a statement that stated: "HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !!"

Party Officials React

Following Trump's remarks on that day, Top Democrats published a combined statement denouncing the comments.

"Political violence has no role in this nation," they declared. "Representatives who were featured in the video all worked our nation with great patriotism and honor. We clearly censure Donald Trump's offensive and dangerous death threats against congressional representatives, and appeal to GOP representatives to strongly do the same."

The opposition officials also said that they had been in touch with law enforcement "to ensure the security of these members and their families."

"Donald Trump must without delay delete these unhinged online messages and withdraw his aggressive language before he causes harm," the announcement continued.

Officials' Firm Reaction

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

"We identify as ex-military personnel and national security professionals who care for this country and made an oath to defend and support the constitution of the United States," they stated. "That oath continues forever, and we plan to keep it. No intimidation, coercion, or promotion of aggression will deter us from that sacred obligation."

"What's most telling is that the president views it liable to punishment by capital punishment for us to reiterate the law," they stated. "Military personnel should recognize that we have their protection as they execute their oath to the constitution and obligation to obey only lawful orders. It is not only the correct thing to do, but also our duty."

They added: "All citizens must join forces and censure the ex-president's calls for our death and ideological conflict. This is a moment for moral clarity."

Further Political Reactions

The Democratic Senate minority leader also censured Trump's statements and posted on online networks: "We must be absolutely clear: the ex-commander in chief is calling for the death of government members."

He added: "This is an direct THREAT. Each congressional member, all representatives, the entire nation – without partisan consideration – should denounce this without delay and absolutely."

The Conservative official supported Trump's allegation that the Democrats had engaged in "rebellion", describing the video as "highly unsuitable", stating: "This represents very harmful, you have prominent officials of the legislature telling soldiers to defy commands, I think that represents historic in US history."

The Conservative representative also allegedly stated to media outlets that in what he reviewed of Trump's posts, Trump was "explaining the crime of treason" but that "attorneys have to examine the terminology and establish all that."

Administration Response

During a White House press conference on that day, when questioned by a journalist, "Is the president want to put to death elected officials?", the executive branch representative replied: "No."

"Let's be clear about what the president is responding to," the representative declared. "We see active officials of the American legislature who worked together to organize a video message to personnel of the US military, to serving soldiers urging them to defy the commander in chief's proper directives."

She added: "The purity of our armed forces depends on the command structure, and if that system is compromised, it can lead to casualties, it can result in chaos, and precisely what these members of Congress ... are fundamentally encouraging."