The article details a political dispute involving former President Donald Trump and a group of Democratic lawmakers regarding statements made to US military personnel.
Lawmakers' Video and Statement
Six Democratic lawmakers, all with prior service in the US military or intelligence community, released a video urging US service members to refuse unlawful commands. The video, shared by Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin, featured Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, a former Navy astronaut, along with Representatives Chris DeLuzio of Pennsylvania, Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire, Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, and Jason Crow of Colorado.
In the video, the lawmakers stated that "Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders," and that "No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our constitution." They also conveyed that "This administration is pitting our uniformed military and intelligence community professionals against American citizens" and that "the threats coming to our Constitution aren't just coming from abroad but from right here at home."
Following President Trump's subsequent remarks, the six lawmakers issued a joint statement. They characterized Trump's comments as dangerous and asserted that they constituted threats against elected officials. Their statement concluded, "No threat, intimidation, or call for violence will deter us from that sacred obligation."
President Trump's Social Media Response
Former President Donald Trump responded to the video on the social media platform Truth Social with a series of posts. He characterized the lawmakers' actions as "seditious behaviour."
In his posts, Trump stated:
- "This is really bad, and Dangerous to our Country. Their words cannot be allowed to stand. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!!"
- He questioned, "LOCK THEM UP???"
- Another post read: "It's called SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL. Each one of these traitors to our Country should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL. Their words cannot be allowed to stand — We won't have a Country anymore!!! An example MUST BE SET."
- He also wrote: "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!"
- Trump additionally reposted a message that read, "HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !!"
White House Press Secretary's Comments
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed reporters regarding the situation. She rejected suggestions that President Trump was advocating for the execution of members of Congress. Leavitt stated, "Many in this room want to talk about the president's response, but not what brought the president to responding in this way," and accused the Democratic lawmakers of encouraging military personnel to defy "lawful orders."