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Democratic officials demonstrated outrage after Donald Trump charged a group of Democratic legislators of being "betrayers" and declared they should be arrested and sentenced "with execution" following their release of a controversial video.

The Recording That Sparked the Debate

The recorded message, published on earlier this week, showcases six Democratic lawmakers who previously acted in military or intelligence positions.

"Similar to us, you all took an pledge to protect and support this constitution," the officials affirmed in the short video. "Currently, the dangers to our governing document are not only from foreign nations, but from domestically. Our regulations are unambiguous, you can decline unlawful commands, you can decline illegal orders, you have to refuse unlawful commands. No one has to execute directives that violate the law or our national charter."

The Former President's Furious Reply

The clip reportedly provoke a heated reply 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 Country should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL."

In another message, he declared: "This represents really concerning, and Harmful to our United States. Their statements cannot be enabled to stand. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???"

In a third message, he continued: "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!" He also shared a statement that stated: "HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !!"

Democratic Officials React

Following Trump's statements on that day, Democratic leadership issued a unified declaration denouncing the remarks.

"Partisan aggression has no place in this nation," they stated. "Representatives who participated in the video all worked our United States with exceptional national pride and distinction. We strongly censure Donald Trump's offensive and risky threats of violence against members of Congress, and appeal to GOP representatives to vigorously do the same."

The party representatives also stated that they had been in touch with protective services "to make certain the security of these members and their loved ones."

"Donald Trump must immediately delete these unhinged social media posts and withdraw his aggressive rhetoric before he leads to violence," the declaration continued.

Officials' Defiant Response

The officials who participated in the video also released a response.

"We identify as ex-military personnel and national security professionals who value this country and took an vow to safeguard and uphold the national charter of the United States," they said. "Our pledge continues forever, and we aim to keep it. No intimidation, pressure, or promotion of aggression will deter us from that sacred duty."

"The most revealing aspect is that the president considers it liable to punishment by execution for us to reiterate the statutes," they continued. "Military personnel should understand that we have their backs as they execute their pledge to the founding principles and obligation to follow only proper directives. It is not only the proper thing to do, but also our duty."

They continued: "All citizens must come together and denounce the former president's requests for our murder and partisan aggression. This is a moment for principled stance."

More Political Reactions

The Senate Democratic leader also condemned Trump's remarks and posted on digital platforms: "Let's be crystal clear: the President of the United States is calling for the execution of public representatives."

He stated: "This is an outright THREAT. All senators, each house member, all citizens – irrespective of political affiliation – should censure this without delay and without qualification."

The GOP leader defended Trump's allegation that the Democrats had been involved in "treason", labeling the video as "wildly inappropriate", adding: "It is very harmful, you have important representatives of Congress instructing soldiers to ignore directives, I think that is unprecedented in American history."

The Republican leader also allegedly told journalists that in what he reviewed of Trump's messages, Trump was "describing the crime of sedition" but that "lawyers have to analyze the terminology and determine all that."

Administration Reaction

During a administration briefing on Thursday afternoon, when questioned by a journalist, "Does the president want to kill members of Congress?", the executive branch representative responded: "Certainly not."

"Let's be clear about what the ex-commander in chief is addressing," the spokesperson declared. "You have sitting members of the federal government who worked together to arrange a recorded statement to individuals of the American armed forces, to active duty service members encouraging them to defy the commander in chief's legal commands."

She said: "The integrity of our armed forces rests on the command structure, and if that chain of command is compromised, it can result in people getting killed, it can result in disorder, and precisely what these congressional representatives ... are basically supporting."