FBI Investigating U.S. Rep. Houlahan After Controversial Video

WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County-based U.S. Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan has been contacted by federal investigators for interviews regarding comments she made in a video instructing troops not to follow any "illegal orders" issued by President Trump's administration.

Houlahan was one of six Congressional Democrats, all former military members, who spoke in the video. President Trump labeled the post "seditious" behavior and noted that treason is "punishable by death."

The latest development comes after Trump ordered the FBI to investigate the lawmakers involved in the video.

"President Trump is using the FBI as a tool to intimidate and harass Members of Congress," Houlahan said in a statement Tuesday. "Yesterday, the FBI contacted the House and Senate Sergeants at Arms requesting interviews. No amount of intimidation or harassment will ever stop us from doing our jobs and honoring our Constitution."

The original video came amid the Trump administration's threats to expand the deployment of the U.S. National Guard in American cities.

"We know you (the military) are under enormous stress and pressure right now,” the group stated. "Americans trust their military. But that trust is at risk. This administration is pitting our uniformed military and intelligence community professionals against American citizens. Like us, you all swore an oath to protect and defend this Constitution. Right now, the threats to our constitution aren’t just coming from abroad, but from right here at home. Our laws are clear, you can refuse illegal orders."

Trump initially accused the lawmakers of seditious behavior on his Truth Social media platform.

"This is really bad, and Dangerous to our Country," Trump wrote. "Their words cannot be allowed to stand. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP??? President DJT."

In a followup post, he noted that seditious behavior is "punishable by death."

"There’s no way to spin it," Houlahan later responded. "The President called for my death by hanging."

In addition to Houlahan, the members of the House of Representatives involved included Chris Deluzio of Allegheny County, Jason Crow of Colorado, and Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire,. U.S. Senators Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and Mark Kelly of Arizona also appeared in the video. All are under investigation.