Lawmakers Release Video on Military Orders
Six Democratic members of Congress, all with backgrounds in the U.S. military or intelligence community, released an online video this week. The video advised active-duty U.S. service members that they possess the right and duty to refuse orders deemed illegal or unconstitutional.
President Trump's Response and Accusations
On Thursday morning, former President Donald Trump responded to the video through a series of posts on Truth Social. Trump accused the Democratic lawmakers of "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR," stating it was "punishable by DEATH!" He also shared additional posts from other Truth Social users, which included suggestions that the lawmakers should be hanged, that their actions constituted an insurrection, and that they should face indictment due to the video.
White House Statement
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the matter on Thursday, denying that the President intended to execute members of Congress. Leavitt added that "The sanctity of our military rests on the chain of command, and if that chain of command is broken, it can lead to people getting killed. It can lead to chaos, and that's what these members of Congress who swore an oath to abide by the Constitution are essentially encouraging."
Representative Crow Reports Threats
Representative Jason Crow, a former Army Ranger and one of the participants in the video, stated in an interview with Morning Edition host Leila Fadel that he has been receiving death threats since Trump's social media posts. Crow indicated that he would not be "intimidated" by these threats.