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Lawmakers from the Democratic party voiced outrage after Donald Trump charged a group of Democratic congress members of being "traitors" and declared they should be detained and punished "by death" following their publication of a disputed video.

The Content That Provoked the Dispute

The video footage, released on Tuesday, features six Democratic congress members who formerly served in defense or security roles.

"Like us, you all swore an vow to safeguard and uphold this founding document," the officials stated in the 90-second video. "And right now, the dangers to our constitution aren't just from abroad, but from right here at home. Our regulations are clear, you can refuse improper directives, you can reject unlawful commands, you must reject unlawful commands. No one has to execute orders that violate the legal system or our founding principles."

The Former President's Incensed Response

The video message appeared to provoke a furious reaction from the former president.

On later in the week, Trump published on his social media platform: "This constitutes SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL. Each one of these betrayers to our Country should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL."

In an additional post, he declared: "This is really bad, and Harmful to our Nation. Their words cannot be enabled to remain. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???"

In a additional post, he stated: "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, liable by DEATH!" He also shared a comment that read: "HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !!"

Party Leaders Respond

Following Trump's statements on that day, Top Democrats issued a joint announcement condemning the comments.

"Violent politics has no role in America," they stated. "Congress members who were featured in the video all acted our country with great national pride and honor. We unequivocally censure Donald Trump's appalling and harmful death threats against congressional representatives, and call on GOP representatives to vigorously do the same."

The opposition officials also mentioned that they had been in contact with security officials "to make certain the security of these representatives and their families."

"Donald Trump must without delay take down these extreme online messages and recant his dangerous discourse before he causes harm," the announcement stated.

Representatives' Firm Response

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

"We serve as former service members and defense specialists who care for this United States and swore an pledge to protect and support the founding document of the United States," they declared. "That oath lasts a lifetime, and we plan to keep it. No warning, intimidation, or promotion of aggression will stop us from that fundamental duty."

"What's most telling is that the president considers it subject to penalty by death for us to reiterate the law," they continued. "Armed forces members should understand that we have their support as they execute their vow to the founding principles and responsibility to follow only lawful orders. It is not only the right thing to do, but also our responsibility."

They stated: "All citizens must come together and censure the president's calls for our murder and political violence. This is a moment for moral clarity."

More Political Reactions

The Democratic Senate minority leader also denounced Trump's comments and published on digital platforms: "Let's be crystal clear: the former president is requesting the execution of elected officials."

He continued: "This represents an direct THREAT. Each congressional member, each house member, the entire nation – irrespective of political affiliation – should denounce this immediately and absolutely."

The Conservative official defended Trump's claim that the Democrats had engaged in "treason", characterizing the video as "extremely improper", adding: "It is very dangerous, you have prominent officials of the legislature instructing military personnel to disobey orders, I think that's unprecedented in the nation's past."

The GOP official also according to sources told media outlets that in what he examined of Trump's publications, Trump was "explaining the crime of sedition" but that "attorneys have to analyze the terminology and decide all that."

Executive Branch Reaction

During a executive branch meeting on Thursday afternoon, when questioned by a media member, "Is the president want to execute members of Congress?", the White House press secretary responded: "No."

"Let's be clear about what the ex-commander in chief is reacting to," the official stated. "There are sitting members of the US Congress who conspired to orchestrate a recorded statement to personnel of the national defense, to active duty service members urging them to disobey the executive's legal commands."

She said: "The purity of our defense system depends on the chain of command, and if that structure is compromised, it can result in fatalities, it can cause disorder, and that's what these congressional representatives ... are essentially encouraging."