EXPLAINERNews|Donald TrumpWhy has Trump blasted US Democrats for ‘seditious’ comments?Six Democratic Congress members call on the US military not to obey ‘illegal orders’ but has Trump issued any?
United States President Donald Trump has accused several Democratic members of Congress of “seditious behaviour” over their call for the military not to obey “illegal” commands.
United States President Donald Trump has accused several Democratic members of Congress of “seditious behaviour” over their call for the military not to obey “illegal” commands.
On Tuesday, six Democrats – all veterans of the US military or its intelligence services – published a video on social media advising military and intelligence officials to “refuse illegal orders” that they might receive.
Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3How Trump’s absence marks leadership opportunity for China at G20list 2 of 3Senior Democrat responds to Trump death penalty threatlist 3 of 3Mamdani’s democratic socialism is a promise of true freedom for allend of list In a furious string of posts on his Truth Social platform, Trump responded to the video, saying the US lawmakers should be arrested and even suggested that their behaviour could be “punishable by death”.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, however, clarified to reporters in Washington, DC, on Thursday that Trump does not intend for members of Congress to be executed.
What is behind the Democrats’ warning video and Trump’s latest threats?
What is behind the Democrats’ warning video and Trump’s latest threats?
On November 18, Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, Pennsylvania Representative Chris Deluzio, New Hampshire Representative Maggie Goodlander, Pennsylvania Representative Chrissy Houlahan and Colorado Representative Jason Crow posted a video on social media, directly addressing the country’s current military and intelligence officers.
In the video, the six Congress members said: “We know you are under enormous stress and pressure right now. Americans trust their military, but that trust is at risk.”
“This administration is pitting our uniformed military and intelligence community professionals against American citizens. Like us, you all swore an oath to protect and defend this Constitution. Right now, the threats coming to our Constitution aren’t just coming from abroad but from right here at home. Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders. You must refuse illegal orders,” they added.
Advertisement “No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our Constitution.”
The Democratic congresspeople, however, did not specify which orders or policies from Trump’s administration might violate the US Constitution.
We want to speak directly to members of the Military and the Intelligence Community.
The American people need you to stand up for our laws and our Constitution.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.