Six Democratic lawmakers have sparked a heated response from President Donald Trump after releasing a video urging military personnel and intelligence community members to refuse orders deemed illegal. The video, titled “Don’t Give Up the Ship,” features Senators Elissa Slotkin and Mark Kelly, along with Representatives Jason Crow, Maggie Goodlander, Chris Deluzio, and Chrissy Houlahan. All six lawmakers are veterans, highlighting their connections to the military and intelligence sectors.
In a series of posts on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump reacted strongly, labeling the lawmakers’ actions as “sedition.” He claimed, “This is really bad, and dangerous to our Country,” and suggested that their messages should not be tolerated. Trump further declared, “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!” These remarks come as the video was released amidst ongoing debates over the use of National Guard troops and military operations related to drug trafficking.
The Democrats’ video addresses military service members and intelligence professionals directly, acknowledging the stress they face and warning that trust in the military is at risk. “This administration is pitting our uniformed military and intelligence community professionals against American citizens,” Slotkin stated. The video emphasizes that all military personnel and intelligence officers have sworn an oath to defend the Constitution, urging them to refuse illegal orders.
While the video does not specify what constitutes an “illegal order,” it generally refers to directives that violate laws, military regulations, or constitutional principles. The lawmakers stressed that the threats to the Constitution are not solely external but also internal, encouraging military personnel to act against unlawful commands.
White House Responds to Trump’s Comments
During a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was questioned about Trump’s remarks regarding potential consequences for the lawmakers. She clarified that the president does not advocate for violence against members of Congress but expressed concern over the message conveyed in the video. Leavitt stated that encouraging military personnel to defy lawful orders threatens the chain of command and could lead to chaos.
Leavitt argued that the Democrats’ portrayal of the president’s orders as illegal is unfounded, insisting that every directive issued is lawful. “Every single order that is given to this United States military is lawful, and the courts have proven that,” she asserted.
The video has also prompted criticism from Republican lawmakers. Senator Josh Hawley referred to the Democratic message as a “total loss of sanity,” suggesting that it encourages subversion of the government. He described the lawmakers’ actions as “inching right up to treason” and urged military members not to heed their advice.
House Speaker Mike Johnson supported Trump’s characterization of the Democratic response as seditious, stating that their recommendations to disobey orders were wildly inappropriate. Johnson emphasized that Trump’s comments about the consequences of sedition were merely a factual statement regarding the law.
Political Repercussions
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer condemned Trump’s statements, warning that they represent a dangerous escalation in political rhetoric. He urged all members of Congress, regardless of party affiliation, to denounce such remarks. Schumer stressed the importance of drawing a clear line against incendiary behavior, stating, “If we don’t draw a line here, there is no line left to draw.”
This ongoing dispute highlights the deepening divisions in American politics, particularly regarding the relationship between military authority and civilian governance. As the debate continues, the implications of this exchange will likely resonate throughout the political landscape, stirring discussions about loyalty, duty, and the boundaries of lawful orders.
