In brief
President Trump has responded sharply to a group of Democratic lawmakers, accusing them of sedition after they urged military personnel to refuse unlawful orders. The video features several military veterans urging troops to stand by the Constitution. Trump's response has intensified political tensions, drawing warnings from Democrats about the dangerous rhetoric.
On Thursday, President Donald Trump launched a fierce attack against a group of Democratic lawmakers, accusing them of sedition, an act he claims is 'punishable by DEATH.' This followed a video released by six lawmakers, all veterans, in which they urged U.S. military personnel to uphold the Constitution and ignore what they described as 'illegal orders.'
The video, posted by Senator Elissa Slotkin, features her alongside Arizona Senator Mark Kelly and Representatives Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Maggie Goodlander, and Chrissy Houlahan, addressing military members who are reportedly under severe stress as a result of the political landscape.
In the video, the lawmakers collectively implore service members to reject unlawful commands and stand firm in their commitment to the law and the Constitution. Slotkin's straightforward message underscores the critical duty to prioritize constitutional responsibilities over political pressure.
Trump's social media posts echoed sentiments from his usual supporters, but they ignited a firestorm, with critics accusing him of attempting to undermine democracy. While Democrats described Trump's assertions as 'dangerous,' House Speaker Mike Johnson defended Trump's right to express views on the lawmakers' actions, calling their video 'wildly inappropriate.'
Trump’s allies, including White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, labeled the video as a blatant insurrection call. In response, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized it as an example of 'Stage 4 TDS'—an insult Trump uses to describe extreme opposition towards him.
Lawmakers and military experts have stated that U.S. troops are obligated to disobey unlawful orders, a guideline rooted in military doctrine. Amidst rising tensions, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell emphasized that the military operates under lawful authority, rebutting any claims of illegal orders being formalized.
