Politics

Lawmakers Face Threats After Video on Military Orders Draws Presidential Rebuke

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Nov 23, 2025

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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.

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• The video was interpreted as an encouragement for the military to defy the president. A White House press secretary claimed the lawmakers' video encouraged the military to defy the president's "lawful orders." This framing presents the message as an act of insubordination against the commander-in-chief, rather than a legal reminder.

• The president accused the lawmakers of engaging in sedition and treason. President Trump described the lawmakers' video as "seditious behavior" and called them "traitors." He also stated that their actions were "punishable by death," framing the video in the most serious terms.

• The president later clarified his remarks were not intended as a threat. After his initial statements drew criticism, including from some members of his own party, the president clarified his position. The article notes that he stated he was not threatening anyone with his comments.

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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