In brief
Trump's escalated rhetoric against lawmakers, accusing them of treasonous acts after a video encouraging military personnel to refuse illegal orders sparked outrage. The six lawmakers, all military veterans, rebuffed Trump's claims of inciting violence while emphasizing their commitment to uphold constitutional duties. Concerns over political violence in the U.S. prompt responses from both sides of the aisle.
US President Donald Trump has accused six Democratic lawmakers of 'seditious behaviour, punishable by death', after they released a video urging US service members to refuse unlawful commands.
This is really bad, and Dangerous to our Country. Their words cannot be allowed to stand. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP??? Trump wrote on social media.
The six lawmakers, all of whom have served in the military or intelligence community, called Trump's remarks dangerous and said they amounted to threats against elected officials.
No threat, intimidation, or call for violence will deter us from that sacred obligation, they said in a joint statement.
The video by Democrats, which was shared by Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin, features Arizona Senator Mark Kelly and Representatives Chris DeLuzio of Pennsylvania, Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire, Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, and Jason Crow of Colorado.
Sen. Kelly, who served in the Navy and is a former astronaut, stated: Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders.
In the video, the lawmakers assert, No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our constitution. This administration is pitting our uniformed military and intelligence community professionals against American citizens. Like us, you all swore an oath to protect and defend this Constitution. Right now, the threats coming to our Constitution aren't just coming from abroad but from right here at home.
Trump's response included a series of posts on Truth Social, branding the actions of the lawmakers as 'SEDIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL' and calling for their arrest and trial.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later distanced the administration from the suggestion that Trump was calling for executions, focusing instead on the perceived encouragement of disobedience from congressional Democrats.
This latest dispute arises amid heightened concerns regarding escalating political rhetoric and violent threats towards public officials in the U.S. Recent surveys indicate a growing belief among Americans that violence related to political conflict is on the rise.
As both parties exchange accusations and plea for safety, the broader implications of Trump's divisive statements linger, drawing significant attention from various agencies including the Department of Justice and the Pentagon.
