U.S. President Donald Trump criticized six Democratic lawmakers for a video they released on social media advising troops to reject unlawful orders, calling it seditious conduct. The Democrats featured in the video have backgrounds in the military or intelligence sectors, including senators Mark Kelly and Elissa Slotkin, and House members Jason Crow, Maggie Goodlander, Chris Deluzio, and Chrissy Houlahan.
Kelly emphasized in the video that soldiers can refuse illegal orders, while Slotkin urged them to uphold laws and the Constitution. Although they did not specify which orders they deemed unlawful, Kelly, a former U.S. Navy captain, has been raising concerns about the military’s deadly strikes on boats allegedly carrying drugs in Caribbean and eastern Pacific waters.
The Department of Justice provided a legal opinion stating that individuals involved in the boat strikes may not face prosecution due to statute of limitations constraints in military law. Trump reacted strongly on social media, labeling the Democrats’ actions as seditious behavior, and suggesting they should be arrested and tried.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that Trump did not mean for the lawmakers to be killed, emphasizing that all orders given to the military are lawful and defying them could pose national security risks. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham expressed his disapproval of the video, urging the Democrats to specify which orders they believe are unlawful.
The video has sparked controversy, with Trump asserting that the Democrats’ actions are detrimental to the country. The administration, led by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, justifies the military’s involvement in the boat strikes as part of combatting drug gangs associated with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
While the U.S. cites high drug toxicity deaths as justification for the strikes, some Republicans have raised concerns about the lack of transparency regarding the operations. Senate Democrats have not been able to unite in limiting Trump’s authority without congressional approval, despite efforts to do so.
The international community, including the United Nations and France, has criticized the strikes as violating international law. Canada initially refrained from condemning the attacks, stating it was the prerogative of U.S. authorities. Trump’s administration has faced scrutiny over its handling of the boat strikes, with questions about the treatment of survivors and the legality of the operations.
