Five US lawmakers under investigation for advising troops on illegal orders.
In a bold stance against perceived overreach by the U.S. government, five Democratic lawmakers, all veterans of the military or intelligence, have come under scrutiny following their public call for military and intelligence personnel to resist unlawful orders. This unprecedented situation highlights a growing tension between individual rights and the authority of the executive branch, as lawmakers face a Justice Department investigation for advocating adherence to the Constitution in the wake of controversial military actions.
Five United States legislators have reported being contacted by the Justice Department after posting a socially resonant video urging members of the U.S. military and intelligence agencies to refuse illegal orders. The lawmakers—Senator Elissa Slotkin and Representatives Jason Crow, Maggie Goodlander, Chrissy Houlahan, and Chris Deluzio—are all Democrats with prior military or CIA experience. Their initiative comes at a moment when concerns over governmental actions and the rule of law have sparked significant national discussion.
The video was released in November as U.S. military forces engaged in airstrikes across the Caribbean and Pacific regions, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s orders to deploy the National Guard to urban centers in response to concerns over undocumented migration and crime. The legislators asserted, “This administration is pitting our uniformed military and intelligence community professionals against American citizens.” They stressed that there is no obligation to carry out orders that contravene the law or constitutional principles.
Following the video’s release, President Trump accused the legislators of “seditious behaviour, punishable by death,” through a post on his Truth Social platform. This led to the FBI launching an inquiry into the five lawmakers, along with Senator Mark Kelly, who also participated in the video. Critics argue that these actions represent an unconstitutional attack on Kelly’s First Amendment rights to free speech.
In a further escalation, the Defense Department announced it would investigate Kelly and warned of potential court-martial depending on the inquiry’s outcome. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated intentions to demote Kelly from his retired rank and reduce his retirement benefits due to his public statements. In response, Kelly filed a lawsuit against the Defense Department and Hegseth, claiming the actions amount to “punitive retribution” that infringes upon his rights to free expression.
On social media, Crow reiterated his commitment to constitutional principles, stating that “Trump’s political cronies at the Justice Department are trying to threaten and intimidate us.” Fellow lawmakers echoed similar sentiments on platforms like X. Houlahan remarked that the investigation was “ridiculous,” noting the contrast between their advocacy for lawful conduct and the Trump administration’s approach, particularly in light of ongoing tensions regarding free speech in other nations such as Iran.
The ongoing narrative reflects a broader national concern regarding the limits of presidential power and military engagement. The Supreme Court has recently upheld a decision blocking the deployment of the National Guard in Illinois, a precedent that reinforces the notion that military action should not be taken lightly and requires substantial justification. This incident encapsulates a pivotal moment in American politics, where the integrity of constitutional governance is in sharp focus.
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