Former President Donald Trump has issued statements via Truth Social regarding a video released by Democratic lawmakers.
Democratic Lawmakers' Video
A video posted to Facebook on Tuesday featured several Democratic members of the House and Senate: Representatives Jason Crow (Colorado), Chris Deluzio (Pennsylvania), Maggie Goodlander (New Hampshire), and Chrissy Houlahan (Pennsylvania), along with Senators Mark Kelly (Arizona) and Elissa Slotkin (Michigan). In the video, these lawmakers addressed military and intelligence personnel, stating, "You can refuse illegal orders" and "You must refuse illegal orders." The video did not specify particular actions but claimed the Trump administration was "pitting our uniformed military and intelligence community professionals against American citizens" and that "threats to our Constitution aren't just coming from abroad, but right here at home." It concluded with the phrase, "Don't give up the ship."
Trump's Social Media Posts
On Truth Social, Mr. Trump commented on the video, calling the lawmakers' statements "really bad, and dangerous to our country." He posted, "Their words cannot be allowed to stand. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???" Approximately an hour later, he shared another post, stating, "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!" Mr. Trump also reposted comments from other Truth Social users, which included suggestions that the Democrats should be hanged or indicted due to the video.
Lawmakers' Response
The Democratic lawmakers featured in the video issued a joint statement in response to Mr. Trump's posts. The statement affirmed their status as "veterans and national security professionals" who have sworn an oath to the Constitution. It declared that "No threat, intimidation, or call for violence will deter us from that sacred obligation," and urged all Americans to "unite and condemn the President's calls for our murder and political violence."
House Democratic Leadership Statement
House Democratic leadership, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (New York), whip Katherine Clark (Massachusetts), and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (California), released a statement. They condemned Mr. Trump's remarks and called for House Republicans to do the same. The statement also confirmed that contact had been made with the House Sergeant at Arms and the United States Capitol Police to ensure the safety of the involved members and their families. They further urged Mr. Trump to "immediately delete these unhinged social media posts and recant his violent rhetoric."