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Democratic officials demonstrated anger after the ex-president alleged a group of Democratic congress members of being "betrayers" and stated they should be arrested and punished "with execution" following their publication of a controversial video.

The Recording That Sparked the Debate

The video footage, shared on earlier this week, features six Democratic congress members who previously acted in military or security positions.

"As we did, you all made an vow to protect and defend this national charter," the officials declared in the short video. "At present, the dangers to our democratic foundation aren't just from overseas, but from right here at home. Our laws are explicit, you can reject illegal orders, you can decline illegal orders, you must refuse improper directives. No one has to follow directives that break the law or our constitution."

Trump's Angry Reaction

The recorded statement appeared to provoke a furious reaction from the previous commander-in-chief.

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

In an additional publication, he declared: "This is really bad, and Risky to our Country. Their words cannot be enabled to stand. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???"

In a third publication, he continued: "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!" He also shared a declaration that said: "HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !!"

Democratic Officials Respond

Following Trump's comments on Thursday, House Democratic leader issued a joint announcement denouncing the remarks.

"Political violence has no position in this nation," they declared. "Congress members who participated in the video all served our United States with great loyalty and honor. We clearly condemn Donald Trump's disgusting and harmful threats of violence against elected officials, and urge House Republicans to vigorously do the same."

The Democratic leaders also mentioned that they had been in communication with protective services "to make certain the safety of these members and their families."

"Donald Trump must without delay take down these radical digital publications and recant his violent rhetoric before he gets someone killed," the statement continued.

Representatives' Firm Response

The lawmakers who were featured in the video also issued a statement.

"We are former service members and national security professionals who value this United States and made an vow to safeguard and support the constitution of the United States," they said. "That oath is permanent, and we plan to keep it. No threat, pressure, or incitement will stop us from that sacred responsibility."

"The significant point is that the former president views it subject to penalty by execution for us to repeat the statutes," they stated. "Military personnel should recognize that we have their backs as they carry out their vow to the constitution and obligation to follow only legal commands. It is not only the proper thing to do, but also our obligation."

They added: "Every American must unite and censure the president's calls for our death and ideological conflict. This is a moment for principled stance."

More Political Responses

The Senate Democratic leader also denounced Trump's comments and published on online networks: "Let's be crystal clear: the President of the United States is demanding the death of public representatives."

He added: "This is an outright THREAT. Each congressional member, all representatives, all citizens – regardless of party – should condemn this immediately and without qualification."

The Republican House speaker justified Trump's assertion that the Democrats had participated in "rebellion", characterizing the video as "wildly inappropriate", commenting: "This represents very risky, you have prominent officials of the government advising soldiers to ignore directives, I think that's without precedent in American history."

The Republican leader also allegedly stated to the press that in what he reviewed of Trump's posts, Trump was "explaining the violation of sedition" but that "attorneys have to analyze the language and establish all that."

Administration Statement

During a administration briefing on that day, when asked by a reporter, "Does the president want to execute members of Congress?", the administration spokesperson replied: "Absolutely not."

"Let's be clear about what the former president is addressing," the official said. "There are active officials of the American legislature who worked together to arrange a recorded statement to individuals of the US military, to current military personnel encouraging them to defy the president's proper directives."

She stated: "The integrity of our armed forces rests on the command structure, and if that system is violated, it can result in casualties, it can result in chaos, and that's what these congressional representatives ... are basically promoting."