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Lawmakers Face Threats After Video on Military Orders Draws Presidential Rebuke

2025-11-23

The BareStory

A group of Democratic lawmakers with prior military or intelligence experience released a video last week advising U.S. service members to refuse "illegal orders." The video featured Senators Elissa Slotkin and Mark Kelly, among others, who stated that military personnel must follow their conscience and the law.

In response, President Donald Trump accused the lawmakers of "seditious behavior" and called them "traitors," stating their actions were "punishable by death." The president later clarified that he was not threatening anyone. A White House press secretary claimed the lawmakers had encouraged the military to defy the president's "lawful orders."

The lawmakers reported receiving a "deluge of threats" following the president's remarks. According to a spokesperson for Senator Slotkin, a bomb threat was made against her Michigan home on Friday. The spokesperson said state and county police responded and confirmed there was no danger, and that U.S. Capitol Police are investigating the threat.

The lawmakers said the video was intended as a reminder of an individual's duty under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The president’s comments drew criticism from some members of his own party. Republican Senator Rand Paul reportedly called the rhetoric "reckless, inappropriate, irresponsible," while Republican Representative Michael McCaul advised that such rhetoric should be toned down.

Left Perspective

  • The video was intended as a reminder of an existing legal duty for service members.
  • The message focused specifically on refusing "illegal orders," not lawful ones.
  • The president's response led to a "deluge of threats" against the lawmakers.

Right Perspective

  • The video was interpreted as an encouragement for the military to defy the president.
  • The president accused the lawmakers of engaging in sedition and treason.
  • The president later clarified his remarks were not intended as a threat.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader:

• Increased threats against lawmakers, such as the reported bomb threat, can require state and federal law enforcement resources for investigation and security.

• The event draws public attention to the legal distinction between lawful and unlawful military orders, affecting the conduct and obligations of U.S. service members.

• The president’s remarks and subsequent threats against lawmakers highlight potential safety risks for public officials, which may require increased security measures.

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