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Lawmakers from the Democratic party voiced outrage after Donald Trump accused a coalition of Democratic congress members of being "turncoats" and declared they should be arrested and sentenced "by death" following their release of a controversial video.

The Recording That Provoked the Controversy

The video footage, shared on Tuesday, features six Democratic elected officials who formerly worked in military or intelligence positions.

"Similar to us, you all made an pledge to defend and support this national charter," the representatives stated in the 90-second video. "Currently, the dangers to our democratic foundation aren't just from foreign nations, but from right here at home. Our laws are clear, you can reject improper directives, you can decline improper directives, you have to refuse unlawful commands. No one has to follow commands that break the law or our constitution."

Donald Trump's Angry Reply

The video message appeared to provoke a furious response from the ex-president.

On Thursday morning, Trump published on his preferred platform: "This constitutes SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL. Each one of these betrayers to our United States should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL."

In another message, he stated: "This constitutes really serious, and Harmful to our Country. Their comments cannot be enabled to remain. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???"

In a subsequent publication, he continued: "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, subject to punishment by DEATH!" He also redistributed a comment that read: "HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !!"

Opposition Leaders Answer

Following Trump's remarks on that day, House Democratic leader released a unified announcement censuring the statements.

"Political violence has no role in America," they wrote. "Elected officials who were featured in the video all worked our country with tremendous loyalty and excellence. We unequivocally condemn Donald Trump's disgusting and dangerous calls for execution against elected officials, and appeal to Republican lawmakers to strongly do the same."

The Democratic leaders also mentioned that they had been in touch with security officials "to guarantee the security of these officials and their families."

"Donald Trump must immediately delete these radical digital publications and withdraw his dangerous rhetoric before he gets someone killed," the statement stated.

Officials' Defiant Answer

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

"We are ex-military personnel and defense specialists who care for this country and took an oath to safeguard and defend the national charter of the United States," they declared. "Our pledge lasts a lifetime, and we intend to honor it. No intimidation, intimidation, or incitement will stop us from that important obligation."

"The most revealing aspect is that the president views it punishable by execution for us to restate the statutes," they stated. "Armed forces members should know that we have their support as they execute their vow to the constitution and duty to obey only legal commands. It is not only the correct thing to do, but also our obligation."

They stated: "Every American must join forces and condemn the ex-president's demands for our death and ideological conflict. This is a time for ethical certainty."

More Political Comments

The Senate Democratic leader also censured Trump's statements and published on social media: "It's important to understand: the ex-commander in chief is demanding the capital punishment of public representatives."

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

The GOP leader supported Trump's claim that the Democrats had engaged in "rebellion", characterizing the video as "highly unsuitable", stating: "This represents very harmful, you have leading members of the government advising troops to disobey orders, I think that represents historic in US history."

The Republican leader also according to sources told the press that in what he read of Trump's publications, Trump was "explaining the crime of treason" but that "lawyers have to analyze the language and determine all that."

Executive Branch Statement

During a administration briefing on Thursday afternoon, when inquired by a media member, "Does the president want to execute members of Congress?", the executive branch representative replied: "Certainly not."

"Let's be clear about what the ex-commander in chief is addressing," the spokesperson stated. "You have active officials of the federal government who worked together to organize a video message to members of the American armed forces, to current military personnel advising them to disobey the executive's proper directives."

She said: "The sanctity of our armed forces rests on the chain of command, and if that system is compromised, it can lead to people getting killed, it can result in chaos, and that is exactly what these elected officials ... are basically supporting."