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A collection of Democratic lawmakers branded by Donald Trump as involved in “subversive conduct” have asserted that the president is employing the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to target them as a “tool to pressure and threaten members of Congress.”

The four politicians, together with two additional members, had created a video urging American troops to disobey illegal commands – a statement that provoked Trump, who wrote on online platforms that the group were “disloyal citizens” and thus could be jailed or even face the death penalty.

An announcement, released by US representatives the Colorado congressman, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, and the New Hampshire lawmaker, confirmed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation had contacted the House and Senate sergeants at arms requesting discussions with them.

“No amount of intimidation or harassment will ever prevent us from fulfilling our duties and upholding the Constitution,” they stated, noting that they had each taken a vow “to uphold and protect” the Constitution of the United States.

“That oath lasts a lifetime, and we intend to keep it. We will not be bullied. We will not surrender our principles,” they continued.

The statement deepens a conflict between the Trump administration and Democratic leaders, such as Arizona senator and ex-astronaut Mark Kelly and Michigan congresswoman Representative Slotkin, over the recorded appeal, which urged the armed forces and intelligence personnel to “refuse illegal orders.”

The Michigan lawmaker said the FBI’s counter-terrorism division had notified the lawmakers that “they are initiating what seems like an inquiry against the six of us” and described the action as a “intimidation strategy” by Trump.

“To be honest, the president’s reaction and the deployment of the FBI to target us is exactly why we created the message,” she said.

“He believes in using the federal government to oppose those he views as opponents, and he’s not afraid to use the government agencies to target dissenters. He does not believe the law applies to him … which is exactly why we produced the recording, to offer reassurance that they weren’t alone as they watch this stuff unfold.”

The US Department of Defense has also said it is performing an examination of claims of improper behavior against Kelly that could, it said, lead to his return to military service to face court-martial proceedings.