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Democratic officials voiced outrage after Donald Trump alleged a group of Democratic legislators of being "traitors" and stated they should be detained and punished "with execution" following their release of a controversial video.

The Recording That Triggered the Dispute

The recorded message, shared on earlier this week, features six Democratic elected officials who in the past worked in military or intelligence positions.

"Similar to us, you all swore an pledge to protect and support this national charter," the officials declared in the 90-second video. "At present, the threats to our democratic foundation are not only from abroad, but from domestically. Our laws are clear, you can reject illegal orders, you can refuse illegal orders, you should reject illegal orders. No one has to follow orders that contravene the legal system or our founding principles."

Trump's Incensed Response

The recorded statement reportedly trigger a furious response from the former president.

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

In another message, he stated: "This is really serious, and Risky to our United States. Their statements cannot be permitted to remain. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???"

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

Opposition Officials React

Following Trump's statements on that day, House Democratic leader issued a joint declaration condemning the remarks.

"Violent politics has no place in this nation," they declared. "Elected officials who participated in the video all acted our country with tremendous patriotism and distinction. We unequivocally condemn Donald Trump's appalling and harmful threats of violence against members of Congress, and call on GOP representatives to forcefully do the same."

The Democratic leaders also said that they had been in contact with law enforcement "to make certain the security of these members and their relatives."

"Donald Trump must immediately take down these unhinged social media posts and recant his violent language before he gets someone killed," the announcement added.

Lawmakers' Strong Response

The lawmakers who appeared in the video also released a statement.

"We identify as veterans and national security professionals who love this United States and made an oath to protect and support the constitution of the United States," they said. "That oath lasts a lifetime, and we plan to maintain it. No threat, pressure, or promotion of aggression will deter us from that important obligation."

"What's most telling is that the president views it liable to punishment by execution for us to repeat the statutes," they added. "Armed forces members should recognize that we have their backs as they execute their pledge to the national charter and responsibility 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 join forces and denounce the president's calls for our murder and ideological conflict. This is a period for ethical certainty."

More Partisan Responses

The Senate Democratic leader also denounced Trump's statements and posted on online networks: "Let's be crystal clear: the former president is calling for the capital punishment of government members."

He continued: "This is an direct THREAT. Every Senator, all representatives, the entire nation – irrespective of political affiliation – should condemn this immediately and without qualification."

The Conservative official justified Trump's assertion that the Democrats had participated in "treason", describing the video as "highly unsuitable", commenting: "This represents very risky, you have important representatives of Congress advising troops to disobey orders, I think that is historic in American history."

The GOP official also reportedly stated to the press that in what he examined of Trump's messages, Trump was "defining the violation of rebellion" but that "legal experts have to examine the language and establish all that."

Executive Branch Statement

During a administration briefing on Thursday afternoon, when inquired by a reporter, "Would the president want to kill congressional representatives?", the White House press secretary replied: "No."

"Let's be clear about what the president is reacting to," the representative declared. "You have active officials of the federal government who worked together to organize a video message to individuals of the American armed forces, to serving soldiers urging them to defy the president's legal commands."

She said: "The sanctity of our armed forces depends on the hierarchy, and if that system is compromised, it can lead to fatalities, it can result in confusion, and that's what these congressional representatives ... are essentially supporting."