President Donald Trump sharply escalated tensions with a group of six Democratic lawmakers on Thursday, accusing them of committing “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!” after they released a video calling on members of the military and intelligence community to refuse what they described as illegal directives.
The video, shared by Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, featured herself alongside Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona and Representatives Jason Crow of Colorado, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, and Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire. All six have backgrounds in the military or intelligence services, a credential they emphasized while appealing directly to service members.
“We want to speak directly to members of the Military and the Intelligence Community,” Slotkin wrote in her caption. “The American people need you to stand up for our laws and our Constitution. Don’t give up the ship.” In the video, the lawmakers argued that “This administration is pitting our uniformed military and intelligence community professionals against American citizens.”
Framing their remarks as a warning about internal threats, they asserted: “Right now, the threats 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 can refuse illegal orders. You must refuse illegal orders.” They concluded the message with a pledge of support: “We have your back.” Several participants reiterated the phrase: “Don’t give up the ship.”
Trump responded Thursday morning by sharing an article about the video on Truth Social and adding his own forceful condemnation. “It’s called SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL,” he wrote. “Each one of these traitors to our Country should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL. Their words cannot be allowed to stand – We won’t have a Country anymore!!! An example MUST BE SET. President DJT.”
He subsequently reposted a series of comments attacking the lawmakers, including one calling for them to be hanged. Trump also issued two additional posts, amplifying his charge that the Democrats’ message posed a threat to national stability.
“This is really bad, and Dangerous to our Country,” he wrote in a second statement. “Their words cannot be allowed to stand. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP??? President DJT.”
In a third post, he reiterated the phrase: “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!”
The Democrats’ video framed their appeal as a defense of constitutional order, while Trump cast their statements as an invitation to insubordination during his administration. The exchange underscores a widening conflict over the boundaries of political rhetoric directed at the military — and reflects the continuing intensity of Trump’s confrontations with his critics in Congress.
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