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FBI Probes Democrats Over Controversial Video Addressing Military Personnel
A group of Democratic lawmakers-all with military or intelligence backgrounds-are under scrutiny by the FBI following a video in which they encouraged U.S. troops to disobey orders deemed illegal, a move that prompted accusations of sedition from former President Donald Trump. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) confirmed Tuesday that the bureau had notified the six legislators of an investigation into their actions, which she called an attempt at "intimidation."
Trump's Accusation and Bipartisan Backlash
Trump labeled the video-shared last week by Slotkin and featuring Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) and Representatives Chris Deluzio, Maggie Goodlander, Chrissy Houlahan, and Jason Crow-as "seditious" in a post on Truth Social. His suggestion to "LOCK THEM UP" and a reposted call to "HANG THEM" sparked bipartisan condemnation, though he later clarified he was "not threatening death." The Pentagon separately announced a review of Kelly, a retired Navy captain and astronaut, for potential violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth accused Kelly of exploiting his military rank to "lend authority" to the video's message, asserting his comments "bring discredit upon the armed forces." Kelly countered in interviews, including with Jimmy Kimmel Live, that the video merely cited UCMJ provisions allowing service members to refuse unlawful orders-"something from the UCMJ itself."
Lawmakers Double Down Amid FBI Scrutiny
Slotkin revealed the FBI's counterterrorism unit had contacted the group, framing the inquiry as retribution for their criticism of Trump. "The president's reaction and the use of the FBI against us is exactly why we made the video," she said at a Michigan event, calling it a "scare tactic." The four House Democrats echoed this in a joint statement, vowing: "We will not be bullied. We will never give up the ship."
A Department of Justice (DoJ) official, speaking anonymously to Reuters, confirmed the FBI sought interviews to "determine if there's any wrongdoing." Kelly, when questioned by NPR, downplayed the notification, stating the Sergeant at Arms-Congress's chief law enforcement officer-had received "something in an email" and that they were "taking a look at it."
Military and Intelligence Community Responses
The video's release coincided with rising tensions over Trump's deployment of National Guard troops to Democrat-led cities, a move facing legal challenges. While the UCMJ permits refusal of "patently illegal" orders, the CIA reminded former officers of their lifelong oaths. Spokesperson Liz Lyons criticized Slotkin-a former CIA analyst-for suggesting intelligence personnel were receiving illegal orders, calling her claims "recklessly false."
Broader Context: 'Duty to Disobey' Debate
The concept of refusing unlawful orders, long embedded in military culture since World War II, has resurfaced in civilian discourse amid Trump's controversial troop deployments. Legal experts note the UCMJ's protections for service members who reject orders violating the Constitution or directing criminal acts. The Pentagon's review of Kelly could determine whether he faces recall to active duty for court-martial proceedings-an unprecedented step for a sitting senator.
"We swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution. That oath lasts a lifetime, and we intend to keep it."
Joint statement from Reps. Deluzio, Goodlander, Houlahan, and Crow
What's Next
The DoJ and FBI have declined to comment publicly. Kelly and the House Democrats have signaled they will continue to speak out, framing their stance as a defense of constitutional principles. Observers note the inquiry could test the boundaries of free speech for elected officials with military backgrounds, particularly amid polarized debates over executive authority and military deployment.
