UPDATE: A Fox News host is facing backlash after attempting to justify President Donald Trump’s alarming calls for the execution of his political adversaries. On Thursday, July 13, 2023, Trump took to Truth Social, accusing Democratic lawmakers of “seditious behavior,” claiming their recent video urging military personnel to uphold the Constitution is “punishable by death.”
In a furious series of posts, Trump demanded the arrest and prosecution of those he labeled “traitors,” stating, “These traitors to our Country should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL.” He called for an “example MUST BE SET,” intensifying fears of political violence. The president’s rhetoric included disturbing reposts from supporters advocating for the lawmakers to be hanged.
During Thursday night’s episode of Special Report with Bret Baier, host Trey Gowdy rushed to defend Trump, suggesting his remarks were meant to imply due process. “I’m sure he meant after a trial by your peers,” Gowdy claimed, downplaying the significance of Trump’s threats. He added, “It was a stupid video… I would advise him to ignore it.”
The fallout from Trump’s comments is immediate and significant. Critics, including legal experts, have condemned the rhetoric as both dangerous and unfounded. Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of UC Berkeley Law, stated, “The accusation is unfounded and unnecessarily chills criticism of the President’s actions.”
The video in question, created by several Democratic members of Congress, simply reminded military personnel of their oath to the Constitution, emphasizing that they have the right to refuse illegal orders. This assertion of lawful conduct has sparked outrage from Trump and his allies, who argue it constitutes a “clear-cut case of seditious conspiracy.”
Trump ally Alex Bruesewitz reiterated this sentiment on X, declaring, “Their actions constitute a clear-cut case of seditious conspiracy, and every one of them must be prosecuted.”
The implications of such accusations could be severe. Civilians charged with “seditious conspiracy” face up to 20 years in prison, while military personnel could face even harsher penalties. However, experts assert that the video does not meet the legal threshold for sedition.
In response to Trump’s incendiary remarks, the Democratic lawmakers involved released a joint statement condemning the calls for violence. They urged Americans to unite against such threats, stating, “Every American must unite and condemn the President’s calls for our murder and political violence.” Their message emphasized the importance of moral clarity in these troubling times.
As reactions continue to unfold, it is clear that Trump’s rhetoric has ignited a fierce debate about political discourse and the boundaries of free speech. Observers are closely monitoring the situation, aware that calls for violence can have real-world consequences.
With political tensions escalating, this story remains developing. The nation watches as reactions from both sides emerge, and the impact of Trump’s statements reverberates through the political landscape. Stay tuned for updates on this urgent story.
