Trump Accuses Democratic Lawmakers of Sedition Over Military Video

President Donald Trump has accused six Democratic lawmakers of 'seditious behavior' following their release of a video urging military personnel to refuse illegal orders. The video, posted on Tuesday, features Senators Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and Mark Kelly of Arizona, along with Representatives Jason Crow of Colorado, Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania, Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire, and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania—all with backgrounds in the military or intelligence community.

In the 90-second video, the lawmakers address service members, stating, 'You can refuse illegal orders. You must refuse illegal orders.' They emphasize that no one is obligated to carry out orders that violate the law or the Constitution.

President Trump responded on Truth Social, labeling their actions as 'SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL' and suggesting that each should be 'ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL.' He further stated, 'SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!'

House Democratic leaders, including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark, and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, condemned Trump's remarks, stating, 'Political violence has no place in America.' They highlighted the lawmakers' service and called on House Republicans to denounce the president's statements.

The lawmakers involved released a joint statement affirming their commitment to their oath to protect and defend the Constitution, stating that no threat or call for violence would deter them from their obligation.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer also criticized Trump's comments, posting on X that the president's call for the execution of elected officials is an outright threat that should be condemned immediately and without qualification.

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson defended Trump's characterization, describing the video as 'wildly inappropriate' and expressing concern over members of Congress encouraging troops to disobey orders.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the issue during a press conference, clarifying that the president does not want to execute members of Congress. She criticized the Democratic lawmakers for encouraging service members to defy the president's lawful orders, emphasizing the importance of the military chain of command.

The Uniform Code of Military Justice allows service members to refuse unlawful orders, but doing so carries legal risks if those orders are later deemed lawful. This incident underscores ongoing tensions over civil-military relations and the boundaries of lawful orders.