Is the Trump Administration Targeting Lawmakers Over an ‘Illegal Orders’ Video?
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Synopsis
The FBI is probing six Democratic lawmakers for their video urging military personnel to reject unlawful orders, igniting a fierce dispute with the Trump administration over military governance. This confrontation may have significant implications for civilian-military relations and legal accountability in governance.
Key Takeaways
- The FBI is investigating six Democratic lawmakers regarding a video urging military personnel to defy unlawful orders.
- This situation intensifies the conflict between the Trump administration and Congress over military oversight.
- Secretary of War Pete Hegseth criticized the video as politically motivated.
- Potential consequences for the lawmakers include military charges under the UCMJ.
- This incident highlights critical issues of civilian control over military actions.
Washington, Nov 25 (NationPress) The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has sought to interview six Democratic lawmakers featured in a video instructing US military personnel to reject unlawful commands, according to a report released on Tuesday.
This action is anticipated to heighten the ongoing confrontation between the Trump administration and congressional members regarding civilian oversight of military operations.
The lawmakers involved include Senators Mark Kelly and Elissa Slotkin, along with Representatives Jason Crow, Maggie Goodlander, Chris Deluzio, and Chrissy Houlahan. They shared the video last week as Democrats raised alarms about the administration's alleged pressure on the military to take actions they believe could breach federal law.
On Tuesday, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth intensified his condemnation of the video, labeling it a “politically motivated influence operation” that jeopardizes military discipline.
In a post on X, he remarked that the message “might seem innocuous to civilians -- but it carries a different weight within the military,” claiming that the lawmakers framed military obedience “through the lens of partisan distrust rather than established legal frameworks.”
Hegseth also criticized the lawmakers for failing to specify any illegal order, stating it generated “ambiguity instead of clarity,” and characterized the video’s wording as “meticulously crafted” to seem legally authoritative.
The Pentagon has indicated that Kelly, a former Navy captain, could be summoned back to active duty to face charges under the US Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Slotkin, a former CIA operative, along with four other lawmakers, have prior military service but are not retired, thus exempt from the UCMJ.
Kelly dismissed the Pentagon's warning as an act of intimidation.
“If this is intended to intimidate me and other congressional members from fulfilling our responsibilities and holding this administration accountable, it will not succeed. I’ve dedicated too much to this nation to be silenced by bullies prioritizing their power over the Constitution,” he stated in a post on X on Monday.
The video surfaced amidst escalating tensions concerning the Trump administration’s directives permitting strikes on vessels in international waters suspected of trafficking drugs. Democrats have challenged the legality of these operations, while the Pentagon defends them on the grounds that the targeted smugglers are classified as terrorists.
US President Donald Trump has denounced the six lawmakers, posting earlier on his Truth Social platform that they should be arrested and prosecuted for “seditious behavior” and added, “punishable by DEATH!”
The administration has also faced backlash for deploying National Guard troops to cities led by Democrats, a move that Democratic leaders argue exemplifies a broader trend of politicizing the military.
Point of View
This situation highlights the critical balance of military oversight and civilian governance. It's essential that lawmakers maintain accountability while ensuring the military operates within legal frameworks. The implications of this clash could resonate deeply within our democratic institutions.
NationPress
25/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the FBI to interview these lawmakers?
The FBI is investigating six Democratic lawmakers who appeared in a video advising military personnel to refuse unlawful orders, which raised concerns about the legality of military directives.
Who are the lawmakers involved?
The involved lawmakers are Senators Mark Kelly and Elissa Slotkin, and Representatives Jason Crow, Maggie Goodlander, Chris Deluzio, and Chrissy Houlahan.
What has been the reaction from the Trump administration?
The Trump administration, particularly Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, has condemned the video, calling it a politically motivated attempt to undermine military discipline.
What are the potential consequences for the lawmakers?
The Pentagon has indicated that Mark Kelly could be recalled to active duty to face charges under the US Uniform Code of Military Justice, although the other lawmakers are not subject to this code.
What are the broader implications of this situation?
This incident raises significant questions about civilian control over the military and the potential politicization of military actions by the administration.
