President Donald Trump accused six Democratic lawmakers of seditious behavior, punishable by death, after they released a video urging US service members to refuse unlawful commands.
This is really bad, and Dangerous to our Country. Their words cannot be allowed to stand. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP??? Trump wrote on social media.
The six lawmakers, all of whom have served in the military or intelligence community, called Trump's remarks dangerous and said they amounted to threats against elected officials.
No threat, intimidation, or call for violence will deter us from that sacred obligation, they said in a joint statement.
The video by Democrats, which was shared by Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin, features Arizona Senator Mark Kelly and Representatives Chris DeLuzio, Maggie Goodlander, Chrissy Houlahan, and Jason Crow.
Sen Kelly, who served in the Navy, stated: Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders.
In the video, the lawmakers emphasized: No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our constitution. They criticized the current administration for seemingly pitting military professionals against citizens.
Trump's response came in multiple posts on Truth Social where he labeled the lawmakers' actions as treasonous and demanded they be prosecuted. His comments raised alarm among political pundits over the charged rhetoric.
During a press briefing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt distanced the administration from any implications of violence, instead framing Trump's response as a reaction to the lawmakers’ call to defy lawful orders.
She stated: They are literally saying to 1.3 million active duty service members to defy the chain of command. Meanwhile, concerns over increased political violence in the U.S. are evident, with multiple high-profile incidents having occurred this year alone.
The discourse surrounding Trump's remarks continues to evolve, highlighting the fraught nature of contemporary political dialogue in America amidst rising tensions.
