UPDATE: California Rep. Eric Swalwell has made alarming statements, claiming that military members view themselves as a vital “check” on former President Donald Trump. This assertion was made during an interview on Don Lemon’s show on November 27, 2023, as tensions rise over a controversial video involving prominent Democratic lawmakers.
Swalwell, who is also a California gubernatorial candidate, detailed conversations with military personnel who expressed their commitment to uphold constitutional values against potential unlawful orders from Trump. This comes on the heels of a video featuring six Democratic lawmakers urging service members to “refuse illegal orders” from the former president. The Department of War has launched a formal review into allegations of misconduct against Senator Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain, related to his participation in the video.
During the segment, Swalwell criticized the Trump administration’s aggressive response to Kelly’s statements, suggesting it reveals the administration’s own intentions regarding the legality of orders. He stated, “While Congress is not a check on the president anymore, and the judiciary at the Supreme Court is hardly a check, military members have told me, ‘We can be a check.'”
Swalwell emphasized the integrity of service members, saying, “They’re essentially saying, ‘We’re not going to betray our oath to the Constitution because this guy tells us to.’” His comments reflect a growing concern among lawmakers regarding military independence and adherence to constitutional duties.
The video in question features a group of Democratic lawmakers, including Senator Elissa Slotkin and Representative Chris Deluzio, declaring to military and intelligence personnel, “You can refuse illegal orders.” This bold statement has sparked significant backlash, with critics labeling the video as “irresponsible.”
Furthermore, Swalwell articulated that the actions taken against Kelly could be seen as intimidation tactics against military personnel, raising questions about the motivations behind such pressure. He noted, “If you don’t intend to carry out unlawful orders, why do you care that somebody would say that?”
Adding to the controversy, Senator Ruben Gallego warned military members on CNN of potential repercussions for pursuing actions against Kelly. “Donald Trump is going to be gone in a couple of years,” Gallego cautioned. “If you’re part of the military that is going after sitting senators… there will be consequences, without a doubt.”
As this story develops, the implications of Swalwell’s remarks and the ongoing review by the Department of War could have significant ramifications for military conduct and political accountability. The dialogue surrounding military integrity and constitutional obligations is more crucial than ever, as both sides of the aisle grapple with the implications of these statements.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Department of War for further comment. As the political landscape continues to evolve, updates on this situation will be closely monitored.
Stay tuned for more urgent developments on this pressing matter.
