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Lawmakers from the Democratic party expressed fury after the ex-president charged a contingent of Democratic representatives of being "turncoats" and declared they should be arrested and punished "with execution" following their publication of a contentious video.

The Content That Provoked the Controversy

The clip, released on earlier this week, features six Democratic lawmakers who previously acted in military or defense positions.

"Similar to us, you all took an pledge to safeguard and uphold this national charter," the officials declared in the 90-second video. "At present, the risks to our constitution don't only come from foreign nations, but from right here at home. Our regulations are unambiguous, you can reject unlawful commands, you can reject improper directives, you must reject unlawful commands. No one has to follow commands that violate the legal system or our national charter."

Trump's Angry Reply

The clip seemed to prompt a heated reply from the former president.

On Thursday morning, Trump wrote on his preferred platform: "This represents 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 declared: "This constitutes really serious, and Risky to our Country. Their words cannot be enabled to persist. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???"

In a third message, he stated: "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!" He also reposted a comment that read: "HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !!"

Party Leaders Respond

Following Trump's comments on Thursday, House Democratic leader published a joint statement condemning the statements.

"Political violence has no position in this nation," they declared. "Elected officials who were featured in the video all acted our country with great national pride and honor. We strongly condemn Donald Trump's appalling and harmful death threats against congressional representatives, and call on Republican lawmakers to forcefully do the same."

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

"Donald Trump must right away take down these radical digital publications and withdraw his violent rhetoric before he causes harm," the statement continued.

Officials' Firm Response

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

"We identify as former service members and security experts who care for this United States and swore an vow to safeguard and uphold the national charter of the United States," they declared. "This commitment continues forever, and we intend to maintain it. No warning, intimidation, or promotion of aggression will stop us from that fundamental responsibility."

"The significant point is that the president considers it punishable by execution for us to repeat the law," they added. "Our service members should understand that we have their backs as they execute their oath to the constitution and duty to follow only proper directives. It is not only the proper thing to do, but also our obligation."

They added: "All citizens must come together and denounce the president's calls for our death and political violence. This is a time for moral clarity."

Further Political Reactions

The Senate Democratic leader also condemned Trump's comments and posted on social media: "It's important to understand: the former president is calling for the death of government members."

He stated: "This constitutes an direct THREAT. Each congressional member, each house member, the entire nation – irrespective of political affiliation – should condemn this immediately and without qualification."

The Republican House speaker justified Trump's allegation that the Democrats had engaged in "treason", characterizing the video as "wildly inappropriate", adding: "This constitutes very dangerous, you have leading members of Congress advising troops to ignore directives, I think that is without precedent in US history."

The Republican leader also reportedly told media outlets that in what he read of Trump's messages, Trump was "explaining the offense of treason" but that "lawyers have to analyze the language and establish all that."

Executive Branch Reaction

During a executive branch meeting on Thursday afternoon, when inquired by a journalist, "Would the president want to put to death congressional representatives?", the White House press secretary responded: "Absolutely not."

"It's important to note about what the president is addressing," the representative said. "You have current representatives of the US Congress who conspired to arrange a recorded statement to individuals of the US military, to serving soldiers encouraging them to ignore the commander in chief's lawful orders."

She stated: "The purity of our armed forces relies on the chain of command, and if that chain of command is compromised, it can lead to people getting killed, it can cause confusion, and that is exactly what these members of Congress ... are basically encouraging."