Democrats have voiced strong condemnation after former President Donald Trump accused several Democratic lawmakers of “seditious behavior, punishable by death” on social media. His remarks followed a video released by six Democratic members of Congress urging active military personnel to refuse illegal orders.
The 90-second video featured Senators Elissa Slotkin and Mark Kelly, along with Representatives Maggie Goodlander, Chris Deluzio, Chrissy Houlahan, and Jason Crow. They emphasized their oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution and stated service members have the right and duty to reject unlawful commands. “No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our constitution,” the lawmakers declared.
Trump’s response on his Truth Social platform was swift and harsh. He called the lawmakers “traitors” and demanded they be “ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL.” In subsequent posts, Trump described their conduct as “sedicious behavior from traitors” and claimed it was “punishable by death.” His messages included a repost urging violent measures, sparking widespread backlash.
House Democratic leaders Hakeem Jeffries, Katherine Clark, and Pete Aguilar issued a joint statement condemning Trump’s rhetoric as “disgusting and dangerous death threats.” They praised the lawmakers’ patriotism and called on House Republicans to denounce the comments. The leaders also coordinated with Capitol security to ensure safety for the members and their families.
The Democratic lawmakers who appeared in the video responded as well. They affirmed their lifelong commitment to their constitutional oath and labeled Trump’s threats as attempts at intimidation. “Every American must unite and condemn the president’s calls for our murder and political violence,” they said, calling for moral clarity.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer underscored the seriousness, calling Trump’s remarks an “outright threat” to elected officials and urging bipartisan condemnation. Meanwhile, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson defended the video’s message but criticized it as “wildly inappropriate” to encourage disobedience of orders.
At a White House briefing, press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated Trump did not want to execute members of Congress. She framed the president’s response as addressing the “danger” represented by sitting lawmakers encouraging military disobedience, warning such breaks in the chain of command risk chaos and loss of life.
This political clash highlights ongoing tensions over military loyalty and free speech, with both sides accusing the other of endangering democratic stability and national security. The controversy is expected to fuel debate on the balance between lawful dissent and discipline within the armed forces.
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