Six Democratic lawmakers have sparked controversy by urging military personnel and intelligence community members to “refuse illegal orders.” President Donald Trump responded sharply, labeling the lawmakers’ message as “sedition” and suggesting it could warrant severe consequences.
In a video titled “Don’t Give Up the Ship,” released on March 15, 2024, Senators Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and Mark Kelly of Arizona, along with Representatives Jason Crow, Maggie Goodlander, Chris Deluzio, and Chrissy Houlahan, emphasized their commitment to the U.S. Constitution. Each of these six members has a background in military service or intelligence, with Slotkin serving in the CIA and others having served in the Navy, Army, and Air Force.
The lawmakers expressed concern for the pressures faced by military personnel, asserting that trust in the armed forces is at risk due to actions by the current administration. They stated, “We know you are under enormous stress and pressure right now,” highlighting the significance of their message.
The video suggests that military members have the right to refuse orders that violate the law or constitutional principles, stating, “You must refuse illegal orders.” It did not specify what these unlawful orders might be, but it coincides with ongoing debates about the deployment of National Guard troops in various U.S. cities and military operations against drug traffickers in international waters.
Trump reacted strongly on his social media platform, Truth Social, describing the lawmakers’ statements as “dangerous” and “seditious.” In one post, he wrote, “Their words cannot be allowed to stand. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???” He followed this with another post stating that such behavior could be “punishable by DEATH.”
The White House defended Trump’s comments during a press briefing. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that Trump does not wish for lawmakers to face execution. Instead, she emphasized that those who encourage military personnel to defy lawful orders pose a significant risk to national stability, stating, “If members of the military choose to break the chain of command, it could inspire chaos.”
Leavitt criticized the Democratic lawmakers for suggesting that Trump had issued illegal orders, asserting that every directive given to the military is lawful and has been upheld by the courts.
Republican responses to the Democratic video have been swift. Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri condemned the lawmakers, calling their message “a total loss of sanity” and a direct challenge to the integrity of the military. He expressed disbelief that they would encourage military officers to disobey the chain of command, which he characterized as edging toward treason.
House Speaker Mike Johnson supported Trump’s assertion that the Democrats’ actions amounted to sedition, labeling their call to disobedience as “wildly inappropriate.” Johnson stated that Trump was merely defining the crime of sedition through his statements.
In contrast, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York condemned Trump’s remarks, arguing that such incendiary rhetoric could escalate political tensions. He called for bipartisan condemnation, stating, “Every senator, every representative, every American regardless of party should condemn this immediately and without qualification.”
The exchange reflects a deepening divide in American politics, particularly regarding military loyalty and the interpretation of lawful orders. As tensions rise, the implications of these statements may resonate throughout both military and civilian communities.
