...
By Dan Gooding and Gabe Whisnant
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
President Donald Trump immediately sparked criticism from Democrats after he demanded the arrest of several "seditious" Democratic lawmakers over a video in which they appealed directly to serving military and intelligence personnel to "refuse illegal orders."
The president also said their behavior was "punishable by death."
In response, the group of lawmakers released a joint statement, saying the president's remarks would not deter them.
Read More on News
“We are veterans and national security professionals who love this country and swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. That oath lasts a lifetime, and we intend to keep it. No threat, intimidation, or call for violence will deter us from that sacred obligation," Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, Pennsylvania Representatives Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, and New Hampshire Representative Maggie Goodlander said.
“What’s most telling is that the President considers it punishable by death for us to restate the law. Our servicemembers should know that we have their backs as they fulfill their oath to the Constitution and obligation to follow only lawful orders. It is not only the right thing to do, but also our duty.
“But this isn’t about any one of us. This isn’t about politics. This is about who we are as Americans. Every American must unite and condemn the President’s calls for our murder and political violence. This is a time for moral clarity. “In these moments, fear is contagious, but so is courage. We will continue to lead and will not be intimidated.
“Don’t Give Up the Ship!”
Why It Matters
Trump's comments come at a time of heightened concern about rising political violence in the United States, including attempted assassinations of the president during the 2024 race and the murders of a Democratic lawmaker in Minnesota and conservative podcaster Charlie Kirk.
Both Republicans and Democrats have accused the other party of stoking violence and undermining democracy at different points over the past five years, including the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, and protests over federal immigration enforcement in 2025.
...
What To Know
The group, all of whom have military or intelligence backgrounds, had urged service members to defy "illegal orders" coming from the White House, after attacks on alleged drug smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean, and operations within the U.S. aimed at immigrants and American citizens.
"This administration is pitting our uniformed military and intelligence community professionals against American citizens," the Democrats say in the video.
"Like us, you all swore an oath. To protect and defend this Constitution. 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 must refuse illegal orders. No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our Constitution."
They added: "We know this is hard, and that it's a difficult time to be a public servant. But whether you're serving in the CIA, the Army, our Navy, the Air Force, your vigilance is critical. And know that we have your back. We need you to stand up for our laws, our constitution, and who we are as Americans."
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth was among those within the administration to condemn the video, accusing the lawmakers of having "TDS," or "Trump Derangement Syndrome."
The president took the reaction further, calling the statements "seditious behavior," meaning rebellion against the government and its authority. Punishment, if a party is found guilty, is generally a lengthy prison sentence or hefty fine, not the death penalty.
In a joint statement, leading Democrats immediately pointed the finger back at Trump, saying political violence had no place in America.
"We unequivocally condemn Donald Trump’s disgusting and dangerous death threats against Members of Congress and call on House Republicans to forcefully do the same," House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar said in a joint statement.
"Donald Trump incited a violent attack on the Capitol on January 6th as part of a treacherous attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. The President’s violent and unhinged rhetoric against American patriots is consistent with his well-documented history of attacking prisoners of war, Gold Star families and war heroes," the statement read.
"There is no bottom when it comes to Donald Trump. We have been in contact with the House Sergeant at Arms and the United States Capitol Police to ensure the safety of these Members and their families. Donald Trump must immediately delete these unhinged social media posts and recant his violent rhetoric before he gets someone killed."
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president was not calling for the execution of Democratic lawmaker, despite Trump’s social media post. Asked directly whether the president meant the members of Congress—each of them a military veteran—should be killed, Leavitt responded, “No.”
She argued instead that encouraging troops to defy the chain of command could endanger national security and cost lives.
“Every single order given to the U.S. military by this commander in chief, through the chain of command and the secretary of war, is lawful,” Leavitt said.
What People Are Saying
California Governor Gavin Newsom wrote on X: "The President of the United States of America just called for the death of Democratic lawmakers. This man is sick in the head."
Democratic Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy, on X: "If you're a person of influence in this country and you haven't picked a side, maybe now would be the time to pick a f***ing side. If you are a Republican in Congress, if you are a Republican governor, maybe it's time to draw a line in the sand."
Missouri Senator Eric Schmitt wrote on X earlier: "They’re mad the American people chose Trump and now they’re calling on the Military and Intelligence Community to intervene. Sounds a little ‘subversive to democracy’-ish."
Senator Lindsey Graham previously said on Fox News: “I find no evidence that President Trump or anyone in your chain of command has issued an unlawful order to you.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Thursday he has asked the U.S. Capitol Police to provide additional protection for Slotkin and Kelly: “The president has called for the execution of elected officials, and he’s not doing this in a vacuum,” Schumer said. “He is lighting a match and throwing it into a country soaked with political gasoline.”
What Happens Next
It remains to be seen whether charges would or could be brought against the lawmakers.
Update 11/20/25, 12:56 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
Update 11/20/25, 2:50 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information and remarks.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines