Former President Trump ignited a firestorm of controversy, declaring that Democrats who advised the military to disregard unlawful commands committed “sedition at the highest level” and deserved immediate imprisonment. This accusation followed a video featuring several lawmakers, including Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin, urging troops to question orders that violated the law.
Just days after the video’s release and Trump’s initial statements, Senator Slotkin became the target of a bomb threat. The chilling incident underscored the escalating tension and the potential consequences of the former president’s rhetoric. Trump had previously suggested a far more severe punishment for the Democrats involved.
In a post on his social media platform, Trump vehemently argued that the “traitors” in the video should be incarcerated, dismissing their explanations as unacceptable. He insisted their actions constituted a grave crime, leaving “no other interpretation” than outright sedition.
Trump’s initial reaction to the video was particularly stark, calling it “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!” He amplified this message by sharing a post invoking historical precedent, suggesting execution as a fitting penalty. These comments prompted a later attempt at retraction, claiming he hadn’t literally advocated for the lawmakers’ execution.
The former president further claimed that “many great legal scholars” supported his view that the Democrats had committed a serious crime by advising the military to defy his presidential orders. He framed their advice as a betrayal of his authority and a violation of established protocols.
Senator Slotkin, drawing on her experience with the CIA and Defense Department, had co-authored the video to reassure service members and intelligence professionals. The message emphasized their duty to refuse illegal orders, highlighting that upholding the Constitution superseded blind obedience.
The video included several other Democratic lawmakers – Senators Mark Kelly and Representatives Chris Deluzio, Chrissy Houlahan, Maggie Goodlander, and Jason Crow – all with backgrounds in military or intelligence service. They collectively asserted that the current administration was creating a dangerous rift between the military and the citizenry.
While Trump administration officials and other Republicans criticized the video, experts pointed out that refusing unlawful orders is a fundamental tenet of military training and protocol. The lawmakers were simply reaffirming a long-standing principle designed to protect both service members and the Constitution.
Following the bomb threat at her home, Senator Slotkin revealed increased security measures provided by U.S. Capitol Police. She directly linked the threat to the hostile rhetoric emanating from the former president, stating that his words emboldened others to engage in even more extreme behavior.
Despite the threats, the lawmakers who appeared in the video remain resolute. They released a joint statement emphasizing their commitment to defending the Constitution and supporting service members who fulfill their oath to uphold the law. They refused to be intimidated by the backlash.
The lawmakers underscored that the former president’s outrage stemmed from their restatement of existing law. They affirmed their duty to ensure service members understand their right – and obligation – to refuse unlawful orders, emphasizing that courage is as contagious as fear.
Their collective message was clear: they would continue to lead and would not be silenced, even in the face of danger. The principle of lawful order, they insisted, remains paramount, and they would stand by those who defend it.
