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A collection of Democratic lawmakers branded by the president as involved in “subversive conduct” have claimed that the president is employing the FBI against them as a “instrument to pressure and threaten members of Congress.”

The four politicians, along with two others, had produced a recorded message urging American troops to resist illegal commands – a message that angered Trump, who posted on social media that the individuals were “disloyal citizens” and thus could be jailed or even face the death penalty.

An announcement, issued by congressional lawmakers the Colorado congressman, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, and Maggie Goodlander, confirmed that the FBI had contacted the House and Senate sergeants at arms requesting discussions with them.

“No amount of intimidation or harassment will ever stop us from doing our jobs and honoring our constitution,” they said, adding that they had each taken a vow “to uphold and protect” the Constitution of the United States.

“That commitment is permanent, and we intend to keep it. We will not be bullied. We will not surrender our principles,” they continued.

The statement intensifies a conflict between the Trump administration and Democrats, such as the senator from Arizona and ex-astronaut Senator Kelly and the Michigan representative Elissa Slotkin, over the video message, which advised the armed forces and intelligence personnel to “disregard unlawful commands.”

Slotkin said the FBI’s counter-terrorism division had informed the group that “they are opening what seems like an investigation targeting the six individuals” and described the move as a “scare tactic” by Trump.

“Frankly, the leader’s response and the use of the FBI against us is precisely the reason we made the video,” she explained.

“He supports utilizing the federal government to oppose those he views as opponents, and he’s not afraid to use the arms of the government to target dissenters. He fails to accept the rules govern his actions … which is exactly why we made the video, to offer reassurance that they had support as they observe these events develop.”

The Pentagon has additionally stated it is performing an examination of misconduct allegations involving the senator that might, it said, lead to his return to military service to face court-martial proceedings.