Trump Says 'Example Must Be Set' After Military Video: 'Punishable by Death'
Donald Trump speaking at CPAC in Washington, D.C., 2011. Photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore under CC BY-SA 2.0.
President Donald Trump reportedly unleashed a blistering attack on six Democratic lawmakers who recently urged US military members to refuse illegal orders, branding their actions as "seditious behavior ... punishable by DEATH!" The president's incendiary remarks have escalated political tensions, spotlighting a fraught debate over military obedience, constitutional duty, and the limits of political dissent.
'Traitors' in the Crosshairs
Trump's condemnation came in a series of posts on his social media platform, Truth Social, where he called for the arrest and trial of the six Democrats, labeling them "traitors to our Country," as reported by the New York Post. He warned that their message "cannot be allowed to stand," and insisted that "an example MUST BE SET." His posts included calls to "LOCK THEM UP???" and repeated the phrase "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!"
The lawmakers targeted by Trump are Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, and Representatives Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Maggie Goodlander, and Chrissy Houlahan. All six have military or intelligence backgrounds, with service records spanning the Army, Navy, Air Force, and CIA. Their video, titled "Don't Give Up The Ship," was released on social media earlier in the week and directly addressed members of the military and intelligence community.
The Video That Sparked Fury
In the approximately 60-second video, the lawmakers acknowledged the "enormous stress and pressure" facing service members and warned that the current administration was "pitting our uniformed military and intelligence community professionals against American citizens," as reported by the New York Post. They urged troops to uphold their oath to "protect and defend this Constitution" and to refuse any illegal orders. The video closed with the historic naval phrase "Don't give up the ship," a call to perseverance and constitutional loyalty.
Senator Slotkin, who posted the video on her social media, framed the message as a direct appeal to service members to stand up for the law and the Constitution. The lawmakers did not specify particular orders or policies but emphasized the legal and moral obligation to reject unlawful commands.
Military Law and the Limits of Obedience
The question of whether military personnel can or should refuse orders is complex. Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), service members are required to obey lawful orders but must reject those that are unlawful. However, determining the legality of an order is often the responsibility of commanders, who have access to military legal counsel. Rank-and-file troops may not be in a position to make such judgments independently.
The "Nuremberg defense," which excuses actions by claiming "just following orders," has been rejected in US military law and international law. Yet, failure to obey lawful orders can lead to criminal charges under Articles 90 and 92 of the UCMJ, which cover willful disobedience and failure to obey orders, according to the Associated Press.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell dismissed the notion that illegal orders were being issued, stating, "Our military follows orders, and our civilians give legal orders. We love the Constitution. These politicians are out of their minds," as reported by the Associated Press.
Political Fallout and Reactions
Trump's harsh rhetoric has drawn swift condemnation from Democratic leaders. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, along with Whip Katherine Clark and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, denounced the president's "disgusting and dangerous death threats" and called on House Republicans to do the same, as reported by the New York Post. They have reportedly contacted the House Sergeant at Arms and Capitol Police "to ensure the safety of these Members and their families."
The lawmakers' video and message stand in stark contrast to the severity of the backlash they face. While they urged service members to uphold constitutional principles and reject unlawful commands, Trump's response escalated to calls for extreme legal consequences, including death. This clash highlights the tension between protecting constitutional norms and the risks of inflamed political rhetoric.
The Law and the Constitution at Stake
The lawmakers' call to refuse illegal orders is grounded in established military doctrine and constitutional principles. A network of national security experts reportedly known as "The Steady State" described the message as "only a restatement of what every officer and enlisted servicemember already knows: illegal orders can and should be refused. This is not a political opinion. It is doctrine," as reported by the Associated Press.
Yet, Trump's framing of the video as "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL" and his demand for arrests and trials mark a chilling escalation. His posts amplified comments from supporters calling for violent punishments, including hanging, further intensifying the rhetoric, as reported by Mediaite.
A Nation on Edge
This episode underscores the fragile balance between military obedience, civilian control, and political expression. The lawmakers' message appeals to the moral imperative of upholding the Constitution, while the president's reaction raises fears about normalizing extreme sanctions for political dissent.
As the country watches this confrontation unfold, the stakes are high. The constitutional safeguards that rely on restraint, good faith, and respect for the rule of law face a stern test. The intensity of the retaliation against lawmakers who urge constitutional loyalty reveals deep divisions and the potential consequences of heated political rhetoric.
Whether this moment will lead to a renewed commitment to constitutional principles or further polarization remains to be seen. For now, the words exchanged between the president and sitting lawmakers serve as a sobering reminder of the power and peril of political speech in America.
References: Trump says Democrats' video speaking to military is punishable by death | Trump demands arrest of Dem 'traitors' who urged military to refuse 'illegal orders' | 'Punishable by DEATH': Trump Floats Execution for Democrats
