Trump Labels Dem Military Video ‘Seditious Traitors, Punishable by Death’/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ morning Edition/ President Donald Trump accused six Democratic lawmakers—many with veteran or intelligence backgrounds—of “seditious behavior” deserving the death penalty after they released a video urging U.S. service members to refuse illegal orders. Trump reposted messages calling the lawmakers “traitors” and demanded they be arrested. The video has triggered a fierce political row over military obedience, civil‑military relations and free expression.
Quick Look
- Six Democratic lawmakers (Sen. Elissa Slotkin, Sen. Mark Kelly, Reps. Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Maggie Goodlander, Chrissy Houlahan) released a video addressing U.S. military and intelligence personnel.
- They urged servicemembers to “stand up for our laws and our Constitution” and to refuse unlawful orders.
- Trump responded on Truth Social: “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???” and “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!”
- Trump reposted supporter comments including “HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !!”
- The Pentagon labelled the video “out of bounds,” with spokesman Sean Parnell calling the lawmakers “out of their minds.”
- Legal experts note that while U.S. military must refuse illegal orders, troops can be punished if they disobey lawful ones under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
- The video comes amid heightened tension over Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops to domestic cities and elevated rhetoric around military loyalty.
- Democrats condemned Trump’s rhetoric as authoritarian and chilling, demanding Republican colleagues condemn his call for executions.
Trump Accuses Democrats of Sedition Over Military Video: Deep Look
In a dramatic escalation of political rhetoric, President Donald Trump accused six Democratic lawmakers of engaging in “seditious behavior” — behavior he claimed is “punishable by DEATH” — after they released a video urging members of the U.S. military to uphold the Constitution and reject unlawful orders. The video, released earlier this week, quickly ignited a political firestorm that now highlights growing civil-military tensions and the fragile state of political discourse heading into a contentious 2026 election cycle.
The 90-second video was first posted by Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and featured fellow lawmakers Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona and Representatives Jason Crow (CO), Chris Deluzio (PA), Maggie Goodlander (NH), and Chrissy Houlahan (PA). All six are veterans or have intelligence or national security backgrounds.
In the video, the lawmakers appealed directly to U.S. service members, saying they understood the “enormous stress” currently facing the armed forces and called on them to stand firm in their commitment to the Constitution.
“The American people need you to stand up for our laws and our Constitution,” Slotkin wrote in the accompanying post on X (formerly Twitter).
The lawmakers appeared in a montage-style format, each introducing their military or intelligence credentials and emphasizing the legal and moral duty to refuse unlawful commands. They concluded with the historic phrase: “Don’t give up the ship” — a rallying cry from the War of 1812 that has become a symbol of perseverance in naval history.
Trump’s Explosive Response
President Trump, who has previously accused various Democratic officials of treason or betrayal, reposted several messages criticizing the video. He added his own incendiary remarks, including, “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???” and “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH.”
He further claimed the Democrats were encouraging military insubordination, a charge that many legal and military experts quickly disputed. Trump’s response included reposts from MAGA-aligned users calling for hanging the lawmakers involved, invoking imagery and language that many observers deemed violent and authoritarian.
The episode evoked reminders of previous inflammatory rhetoric from the president, particularly following the 2020 election and the January 6 Capitol insurrection — events in which Trump was accused of inciting violence and undermining democratic norms.
What the Law Actually Says
Legally, U.S. military members are obligated to obey lawful orders — but they are also required to disobey unlawful ones. This is a foundational tenet of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Article 90 of the UCMJ stipulates that disobeying a lawful order from a superior is a punishable offense. However, following an unlawful order is not a valid legal defense, a principle emphasized in the aftermath of World War II and the Nuremberg Trials.
In practice, determining whether an order is unlawful is complex. Commanders have access to legal counsel to help guide decisions, but rank-and-file soldiers typically do not have the same resources in real time. As a result, while troops may be held accountable for following illegal commands, refusing a command that turns out to be lawful can also result in punishment.
This legal tension lies at the heart of the Democrats’ video — and the controversy it stirred.
A Pentagon Pushback
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell issued a sharp rebuttal, rejecting the notion that illegal orders were being given and calling the video’s creators “out of their minds.”
“Our military follows orders, and our civilians give legal orders,” Parnell told the Associated Press. “We love the Constitution.”
The military has remained officially nonpartisan, but recent years have placed it squarely in the political spotlight, from Trump’s controversial use of federal forces during domestic protests to increased pressure to respond to political unrest.
Broader Political Context
Democrats condemned Trump’s response as a dangerous assault on democratic principles and free speech.
“This is not North Korea,” said Rep. Houlahan in a statement. “Speaking truth to power is not sedition — it’s our duty.”
Political analysts suggest Trump’s attack may be part of a broader strategy to reassert dominance over political narratives ahead of the 2026 midterms and his potential re-election bid. By targeting veterans and tying their message to insubordination, Trump aims to solidify his support among military and law enforcement ranks while casting Democrats as unpatriotic.
However, the backlash was swift from bipartisan observers and national security professionals. The Steady State, a group of former intelligence and national security officials, called the Democrats’ message “entirely in line with military doctrine.” In a public post, the group stated:
“Illegal orders can and should be refused. This is not a political opinion. It is doctrine.”
Democrats Stand Firm
The lawmakers have not retracted the video and instead doubled down on their position.
Slotkin defended the message during a Thursday press appearance, stating, “I served this country in uniform. I know what lawful command means. This wasn’t sedition — this was a reminder of our oath.”
She and others have called on Republicans to denounce Trump’s comments, particularly his suggestions that elected lawmakers should be executed. So far, only a few have done so publicly.
The incident serves as yet another flashpoint in a nation increasingly divided not just by policy but by fundamental ideas about democracy, rule of law, and the roles of government and military.
As the 2026 political season approaches, this episode may mark a turning point in how issues of civil-military relations and constitutional duty are debated on the national stage.
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