Following the release of a controversial video, tensions between President Donald Trump and Congressional Democratic leaders have escalated. The video, aimed at active military personnel, emphasizes the importance of refusing illegal orders, a message conveyed by a group of Democratic veterans.
Trump Labels Democratic Veterans’ Video as ‘Seditious’
Congressional Democratic leaders have expressed outrage over Trump’s comments regarding their video. In the video posted to Facebook, prominent Democratic figures including Reps. Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Maggie Goodlander, and Chrissy Houlahan, as well as Senators Mark Kelly and Elissa Slotkin, addressed military and intelligence community members. They reminded them, “You can refuse illegal orders.”
In response to the video’s content, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, calling the remarks “really bad and dangerous to our country.” He further labeled the leaders’ actions as “SEDICIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!!” and suggested they should be “LOCKED UP.” In a separate post, he stated, “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!”
Reactions from Congressional Leaders
- The Democratic lawmakers emphasized their commitment to protecting the Constitution, asserting, “No threat, intimidation, or call for violence will deter us.”
- House Democratic leadership, including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and whip Katherine Clark, demanded Trump remove his posts.
- They called for Republicans to condemn Trump’s remarks, labeling them as “disgusting and dangerous.”
In their joint statement, the lawmakers highlighted their background as veterans and national security professionals. They underscored the oath they swore to defend the Constitution and condemned any calls for violence against them.
Concerns Over Safety
In light of Trump’s comments, House Democratic leaders have contacted the Capitol Police to ensure the safety of those involved. They stated, “Donald Trump must immediately delete these unhinged social media posts and recant his violent rhetoric before he gets someone killed.”
While the video did not detail specific illegal orders, it conveyed a strong message regarding loyalty to the Constitution. The Democratic leaders concluded their video with the phrase, “Don’t give up the ship,” referencing a historic naval battle cry emphasizing perseverance.
As this situation unfolds, the political landscape becomes increasingly charged, with calls for unity against threats of violence resonating among lawmakers.
