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Lawmakers from the Democratic party expressed anger after the ex-president charged a contingent of Democratic representatives of being "turncoats" and asserted they should be detained and punished "by death" following their posting of a disputed video.

The Content That Triggered the Controversy

The video footage, shared on Tuesday, features six Democratic elected officials who in the past acted in armed forces or defense positions.

"Similar to us, you all swore an vow to defend and support this founding document," the representatives declared in the 90-second video. "Currently, the risks to our constitution aren't just from overseas, but from within our own country. Our laws are unambiguous, you can decline unlawful commands, you can decline unlawful commands, you have to refuse illegal orders. No one has to execute orders that contravene the law or our founding principles."

The Former President's Incensed Response

The clip reportedly prompt a furious reply from the previous commander-in-chief.

On Thursday morning, Trump published on his preferred 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 another post, he stated: "This is really bad, and Dangerous to our United States. Their statements cannot be permitted to persist. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???"

In a third message, he stated: "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, subject to punishment by DEATH!" He also shared a declaration that stated: "HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !!"

Party Leaders React

Following Trump's remarks on Thursday, House Democratic leader released a combined statement censuring the remarks.

"Violent politics has no position in the United States," they stated. "Congress members who participated in the video all served our country with tremendous national pride and distinction. We clearly condemn Donald Trump's disgusting and dangerous death threats against members of Congress, and appeal to House Republicans to forcefully do the same."

The opposition officials also said that they had been in communication with security officials "to guarantee the security of these officials and their relatives."

"Donald Trump must right away take down these radical social media posts and recant his aggressive language before he causes harm," the statement added.

Officials' Strong Response

The officials who were featured in the video also released a statement.

"We identify as former service members and national security professionals who care for this nation and made an pledge to safeguard and uphold the founding document of the United States," they declared. "This commitment is permanent, and we intend to keep it. No warning, coercion, or incitement will stop us from that fundamental responsibility."

"What's most telling is that the ex-president views it punishable by capital punishment for us to repeat the law," they added. "Military personnel should recognize that we have their backs as they execute their pledge to the founding principles and responsibility to adhere to only legal commands. It is not only the right thing to do, but also our responsibility."

They added: "The entire nation must come together and condemn the ex-president's demands for our execution and political violence. This is a moment for principled stance."

More Partisan Comments

The Opposition leader also censured Trump's remarks and posted on social media: "It's important to understand: the former president is requesting the execution of public representatives."

He continued: "This represents an direct THREAT. Each congressional member, each house member, the entire nation – without partisan consideration – should censure this immediately and absolutely."

The GOP leader defended Trump's allegation that the Democrats had participated in "treason", describing the video as "extremely improper", adding: "It is very dangerous, you have prominent officials of the government instructing troops to ignore directives, I think that's unprecedented in the nation's past."

The GOP official also allegedly informed journalists that in what he reviewed of Trump's messages, Trump was "explaining the offense of treason" but that "lawyers have to examine the terminology and determine all that."

Administration Response

During a executive branch meeting on later that day, when asked by a reporter, "Is the president want to put to death elected officials?", the White House press secretary responded: "Certainly not."

"Let's be clear about what the former president is reacting to," the spokesperson stated. "You have current representatives of the US Congress who conspired to orchestrate a video message to individuals of the American armed forces, to serving soldiers encouraging them to ignore the commander in chief's lawful orders."

She stated: "The sanctity of our defense system depends on the command structure, and if that structure is compromised, it can lead to casualties, it can result in chaos, and that is exactly what these members of Congress ... are fundamentally encouraging."