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Lawmakers from the Democratic party voiced anger after the ex-president alleged a contingent of Democratic legislators of being "turncoats" and asserted they should be taken into custody and penalized "through capital punishment" following their posting of a controversial video.

The Recording That Provoked the Dispute

The recorded message, published on Tuesday, showcases six Democratic elected officials who in the past served in armed forces or defense positions.

"Similar to us, you all took an oath to protect and uphold this national charter," the lawmakers affirmed in the brief video. "And right now, the dangers to our democratic foundation aren't just from overseas, but from domestically. Our laws are unambiguous, you can reject illegal orders, you can decline improper directives, you should decline illegal orders. No one has to follow orders that contravene the legal system or our national charter."

Donald Trump's Furious Reply

The clip reportedly provoke a angry reply from the former president.

On the following morning, Trump published on his social media platform: "It's called SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL. Each one of these turncoats to our United States should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL."

In an additional post, he wrote: "This is really concerning, and Harmful to our United States. Their words cannot be allowed to stand. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???"

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

Opposition Officials React

Following Trump's comments on that day, Democratic leadership released a joint declaration censuring the comments.

"Political violence has no place in this nation," they stated. "Representatives who participated in the video all acted our country with exceptional national pride and distinction. We clearly censure Donald Trump's disgusting and dangerous threats of violence against congressional representatives, and urge House Republicans to strongly do the same."

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

"Donald Trump must immediately delete these extreme social media posts and withdraw his aggressive language before he causes harm," the announcement added.

Officials' Firm Response

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

"We identify as veterans and security experts who care for this country and swore an pledge to safeguard and support the constitution of the United States," they stated. "That oath continues forever, and we plan to maintain it. No warning, pressure, or promotion of aggression will deter us from that important responsibility."

"The most revealing aspect is that the ex-president views it punishable by capital punishment for us to reiterate the statutes," they continued. "Armed forces members should recognize that we have their backs as they carry out their vow to the founding principles and duty to adhere to only legal commands. It is not only the right thing to do, but also our responsibility."

They stated: "The entire nation must unite and denounce the ex-president's demands for our murder and ideological conflict. This is a period for moral clarity."

Further Partisan Responses

The Democratic Senate minority leader also condemned Trump's remarks and posted on social media: "We must be absolutely clear: the President of the United States is requesting the death of public representatives."

He stated: "This is an clear THREAT. Each congressional member, each house member, the entire nation – without partisan consideration – should denounce this without delay and unconditionally."

The Conservative official defended Trump's assertion that the Democrats had participated in "sedition", characterizing the video as "highly unsuitable", commenting: "This constitutes very dangerous, you have leading members of Congress advising military personnel to disobey orders, I think that is without precedent in American history."

The GOP official also reportedly informed media outlets that in what he reviewed of Trump's messages, Trump was "defining the offense of rebellion" but that "legal experts have to analyze the language and determine all that."

Executive Branch Reaction

During a executive branch meeting on later that day, when questioned by a media member, "Would the president want to put to death members of Congress?", the White House press secretary answered: "Absolutely not."

"It's important to note about what the ex-commander in chief is reacting to," the representative declared. "You have current representatives of the federal government who coordinated to orchestrate a video message to members of the US military, to serving soldiers advising them to defy the executive's lawful orders."

She said: "The purity of our military rests on the command structure, and if that chain of command is violated, it can cause casualties, it can lead to disorder, and that's what these congressional representatives ... are basically encouraging."