The BareStory
An FBI investigation is underway concerning a social media video in which six Democratic lawmakers urged military service members to defy illegal orders. The lawmakers involved have reportedly confirmed the probe. According to one summary, the FBI stated it is scheduling interviews with the six legislators, a group that includes Sen. Elissa Slotkin and Sen. Mark Kelly, a Navy veteran.
The video has drawn sharp responses from political opponents and military figures. On November 26, Republican combat veterans in Congress released a video of their own, urging troops to “stand strong” for law and order. Some Republicans argued the Democrats’ message risks undermining the military’s chain of command. Rep. Rich McCormick, a Gulf War veteran, was quoted as calling the video political and describing statements by Sen. Kelly as dishonest. Separately, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has called for the military to investigate Sen. Kelly, and Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Dakota Meyer reportedly called the Democrats’ video “unacceptable.”
The Democrats involved said they were reminding service members of their duty not to carry out illegal actions. According to a post attributed to Sen. Slotkin, the video was made in response to what she described as the President weaponizing the federal government against his perceived enemies. She claimed the President’s alleged direction of the FBI to target the lawmakers was the reason for the video.
The message has also spurred public debate. During a television segment, co-host Joy Behar reportedly invoked the post-WWII Nuremberg trials, stating that following illegal orders is not a valid defense. She cited potential examples of illegal orders, such as military strikes without congressional approval. Another co-host, Alyssa Farah Griffin, a former Pentagon employee, countered that it would create a "major problem" if rank-and-file military members began questioning their superiors’ orders on such matters, though she agreed that "clear unlawful orders" should be refused.
How it may affect me
As a U.S. reader:
• The debate over military orders could affect national security, as some fear it disrupts military readiness while others believe it reinforces lawful conduct.
• An FBI probe into lawmakers may lead to new debates or policies concerning executive power and the use of federal agencies for political investigations.
• Increased focus on "illegal orders" could lead to greater public and congressional scrutiny over future U.S. military deployments or strikes.
