Donald Trump says Democrats' video message to military is 'seditious behaviour' punishable by death

US President Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump on Thursday escalated political tensions by accusing six Democratic lawmakers of committing sedition “punishable by DEATH,” after the group released a video urging U.S. military personnel to uphold the Constitution and refuse “illegal orders.”

The 90-second video, first posted Tuesday on Sen. Elissa Slotkin’s X account, features Slotkin, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, and Reps. Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Maggie Goodlander and Chrissy Houlahan, all of whom have backgrounds in military or national security service. Speaking directly to U.S. service members, Slotkin says they are “under enormous stress and pressure right now,” urging them to “stand up for our laws and our Constitution.”

In the video, the lawmakers introduce themselves, cite their military or intelligence experience, and accuse the Trump administration of “pitting our uniformed military against American citizens.” They call on troops to “refuse illegal orders” and to uphold democratic norms. The message ends with the Navy phrase, “Don’t give up the ship.”

While the lawmakers did not specify which recent actions they were referencing, the video’s release coincides with the administration’s continued attempts to deploy National Guard units into U.S. cities,  some of which have been stalled in court or reversed.

Legal Debate Over Orders

U.S. military personnel are required to disobey unlawful orders, though determining legality can be difficult, particularly for rank-and-file members who lack access to legal counsel that commanders typically have. Although the so-called “Nuremberg defense” does not shield troops who carry out illegal commands, the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) punishes service members who refuse orders that are ultimately judged lawful.

Trump’s Reaction

Trump reposted commentary about the video throughout Thursday, calling it “really bad, and Dangerous to our Country.” In multiple posts, he labeled the lawmakers “TRAITORS,” demanded they be arrested, and claimed their actions amounted to “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH.”

At the Pentagon, spokesperson Sean Parnell rejected the notion that illegal commands were being issued. “Our military follows orders, and our civilians give legal orders,” he said. “We love the Constitution. These politicians are out of their minds.”

*With Agency Inputs