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Democratic officials demonstrated outrage after the ex-president charged a coalition of Democratic representatives of being "betrayers" and asserted they should be arrested and penalized "with execution" following their publication of a controversial video.

The Message That Sparked the Debate

The clip, released on Tuesday, features six Democratic lawmakers who previously acted in military or intelligence capacities.

"Similar to us, you all made an vow to defend and uphold this founding document," the lawmakers declared in the 90-second video. "Currently, the risks to our democratic foundation aren't just from overseas, but from domestically. Our laws are clear, you can decline illegal orders, you can refuse illegal orders, you have to refuse improper directives. No one has to carry out directives that violate the law or our founding principles."

The Former President's Furious Reply

The video message reportedly trigger a angry response from the previous commander-in-chief.

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

In an additional message, he declared: "This constitutes really bad, and Dangerous to our Country. Their statements cannot be allowed to stand. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???"

In a subsequent message, he added: "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, subject to punishment by DEATH!" He also redistributed a statement that said: "HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !!"

Opposition Representatives Answer

Following Trump's comments on Thursday, House Democratic leader released a joint announcement denouncing the remarks.

"Political violence has no position in the United States," they wrote. "Representatives who were featured in the video all worked our United States with tremendous patriotism and distinction. We unequivocally censure Donald Trump's offensive and harmful threats of violence against congressional representatives, and call on House Republicans to vigorously do the same."

The opposition officials also said that they had been in contact with security officials "to make certain the security of these representatives and their loved ones."

"Donald Trump must right away take down these radical social media posts and withdraw his dangerous language before he gets someone killed," the declaration stated.

Representatives' Firm Response

The representatives who participated in the video also published a statement.

"We are veterans and defense specialists who care for this nation and swore an pledge to protect and support the constitution of the United States," they stated. "This commitment continues forever, and we intend to keep it. No warning, pressure, or promotion of aggression will deter us from that sacred obligation."

"The significant point is that the former president deems it liable to punishment by capital punishment for us to restate the legal requirements," they stated. "Our service members should understand that we have their backs as they carry out their pledge to the national charter and obligation to obey only proper directives. It is not only the proper thing to do, but also our obligation."

They continued: "All citizens must unite and denounce the former president's demands for our murder and political violence. This is a time for ethical certainty."

More Governmental Reactions

The Opposition leader also denounced Trump's comments and published on online networks: "It's important to understand: the President of the United States is requesting the death of elected officials."

He stated: "This constitutes an clear THREAT. All senators, all representatives, all citizens – without partisan consideration – should denounce this without delay and without qualification."

The GOP leader defended Trump's allegation that the Democrats had been involved in "sedition", characterizing the video as "wildly inappropriate", adding: "It is very risky, you have prominent officials of the legislature advising soldiers to defy commands, I think that represents without precedent in US history."

The Conservative representative also reportedly informed journalists that in what he reviewed of Trump's messages, Trump was "defining the violation of rebellion" but that "lawyers have to examine the wording and decide all that."

Executive Branch Statement

During a administration briefing on later that day, when asked by a reporter, "Would the president want to put to death congressional representatives?", the White House press secretary responded: "No."

"We should understand about what the ex-commander in chief is responding to," the spokesperson declared. "There are active officials of the federal government who coordinated to orchestrate a video message to individuals of the American armed forces, to serving soldiers encouraging them to defy the president's lawful orders."

She added: "The integrity of our military relies on the chain of command, and if that structure is compromised, it can lead to people getting killed, it can result in disorder, and that is exactly what these members of Congress ... are essentially supporting."