Key Takeaways
- Explosive Political Clash: President Trump blasted six Democrat lawmakers for releasing a video telling service members they can refuse unlawful orders, calling their actions “seditious behavior.”
- Democrats Push Back: The lawmakers defended their video as a reminder of established military law, accusing Trump of escalating tension and targeting political opponents.
- Possible DOJ Probe: Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche indicated the Justice Department may investigate whether the lawmakers encouraged insubordination within the military.
President Donald Trump is once again shaking Washington’s political establishment to its core. This time, he’s firing back at a group of Democratic lawmakers who released a video urging military personnel to refuse unlawful orders. The six Democrats, all with military or intelligence backgrounds, told active service members, “Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders.”
Trump called the message dangerous and accused the lawmakers of undermining the chain of command at a time when America faces serious national security challenges. On Truth Social, he blasted the group as “TRAITORS,” adding, “LOCK THEM UP???” and later, “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!” The president’s comments drew cheers from supporters at the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum and predictable outrage from the left.
The Democrats involved — including Sen. Mark Kelly and Rep. Elissa Slotkin — claimed Trump’s reaction was “telling,” insisting they were simply restating established military law. They framed the fight as a moral crusade, saying, “Every American must unite and condemn the President’s calls for our murder and political violence.”
But the political context is impossible to ignore. Their video comes as the Trump administration has taken aggressive action against suspected drug-running vessels in the Caribbean, actions Democrats claim lack transparency. Slotkin also pointed to troop deployments in U.S. cities, accusing the administration of suppressing debate.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche told Fox News the DOJ may investigate the lawmakers for encouraging military insubordination, calling their behavior “abhorrent.” White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller went further, labeling the comments “plainly, directly” insurrectionist and saying the lawmakers should “resign in disgrace.”
The irony, of course, isn’t lost on anyone: Democrats who once tried to use “insurrection” charges to sideline Trump now face accusations of stoking defiance within the armed forces. And with Trump’s Justice Department already targeting political corruption — indicting former FBI Director James Comey and New York AG Letitia James — it’s clear the administration is no longer giving Washington’s power brokers a free pass.
In classic Trump fashion, he’s making sure the message is unmistakable: America’s military answers to the Constitution — not partisan grandstanding — and no lawmaker is above accountability.