Trump criticizes Democrats over video urging troops to reject unlawful orders
U.S. President Donald Trump has accused six Democratic lawmakers of engaging in “seditious behavior” after they released a video telling U.S. service members they may refuse illegal orders, prompting a sharp political dispute in Washington, Qazinform News Agency correspondent reports.
President Donald Trump condemned the group of Democratic lawmakers on Thursday, saying their video encouraging U.S. service members to reject unlawful commands amounted to “seditious behavior.” The lawmakers, all of whom have backgrounds in the military or the intelligence community, rejected the accusation and said their message reflected long-established principles in U.S. military law.
The video, shared by Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin, features Senator Mark Kelly and Representatives Chris DeLuzio, Maggie Goodlander, Chrissy Houlahan, and Jason Crow. In the clip, Kelly notes that U.S. law allows personnel to refuse a clearly illegal order, while the video states that threats to constitutional protections can emerge from within the country.
Trump responded with a series of posts on Truth Social, accusing the lawmakers of undermining the chain of command. He wrote that they should face prosecution and called their statements dangerous. In one repost, Trump elevated a comment suggesting extreme punishment, though the White House press secretary later said he was not calling for executions and argued the lawmakers were urging troops to defy “lawful orders.”
The six Democrats issued a joint statement saying they would continue to uphold their obligations to the Constitution. They pointed to decades-old norms within the U.S. military that recognize the duty to disobey a patently illegal order.
Leaders in the House of Representatives said they are coordinating with Capitol Police to ensure the lawmakers and their families receive appropriate security. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries urged the president to avoid rhetoric that could escalate tensions, while House Speaker Mike Johnson defended Trump’s comments, saying he was describing the legal definition of sedition. Johnson said both the Department of Justice and the Pentagon are reviewing the matter.
Concerns about political violence have been rising across the United States. Surveys conducted this fall by the Pew Research Center and Politico/Public First show a broad public belief that politically motivated violence is increasing. Recent high-profile incidents include the killing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, an arson attack on the home of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, and the fatal shooting of a Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband.
Officials from both parties have reported spikes in threats, including swatting attempts that send police to their homes. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene said threats toward her family increased following public disagreements with Trump, while other lawmakers have reported similar incidents.
Security agencies continue to monitor the situation as political discourse in the country grows more polarized.
Earlier, Qazinform News Agency reported that the prominent conservative political activist and Trump supporter Charlie Kirk was shot at Utah Valley University during a political event on September 10.
