Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan is now under federal investigation, a consequence of her public encouragement for military personnel to potentially defy direct orders from a former president.
The investigation stems from a viral video released in November, where Slotkin, alongside several other Democratic lawmakers, explicitly stated that service members could – and even *should* – refuse orders they deemed illegal. The message resonated widely, sparking immediate controversy.
Slotkin, a former CIA analyst, spearheaded the creation of this video, taking a leading role in delivering the provocative message. She directly urged members of the US military to question and potentially reject commands issued by both the former president and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
The former president publicly condemned the lawmakers’ actions, labeling them as “seditious behavior.” This accusation now appears to be fueling the formal investigation into Slotkin’s involvement.
According to reports, US Attorney Jeanine Pirro is leading the investigation. Slotkin herself revealed the inquiry in a recent statement, detailing a request for an interview regarding the 90-second video.
Slotkin also disclosed that the FBI’s counterterrorism division initiated a separate inquiry late last year. She characterized both investigations as an attempt at intimidation, boldly asserting that such tactics would not deter her.
The fallout extends beyond Slotkin. Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, also featured in the video, recently faced censure from Secretary Hegseth, resulting in a reduction of his military rank and pension. Kelly has responded with a lawsuit challenging the censure.
The situation highlights a deeply fractured political landscape and raises critical questions about the boundaries of civilian oversight regarding the military and the potential consequences of publicly challenging the chain of command.
