Trump calls Democratic lawmakers’ warnings to troops “punishable by death” and accuses them of sedition
Trump attacks six Democratic legislators for calling on military to defy illegal orders, raising tensions over security and political rhetoric.
Following the publication of a video pushing US service men to defy illegal orders, President Donald Trump accused six Democratic lawmakers of engaging in “seditious behavior, punishable by death.”
Trump wrote, “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL, An example MUST BE SET,” in a series of posts on Truth Social on Thursday.
He went on to say: “Seditious behavior, punishable by DEATH!”
Trump said that lawmakers were “traitors” and retweeted another message demanding their hanging.
In a video posted by Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin, Senator Mark Kelly, together with Representatives Chris DeLuzio, Maggie Goodlander, Chrissy Houlahan, and Jason Crow, said that military personnel might legitimately disobey unlawful directives.
In the video, Sen. Kelly declares, “Our laws are clear.” “You can reject unlawful orders.”
The group said that “right here at home” is now the source of dangers to the US Constitution.
The six congressmen denounced Trump’s comments as dangerous intimidation, and they were all veterans or former intelligence officials:
Together, they issued a statement declaring that “no call for violence, threat, or intimidation will deter us from that sacred obligation.”
Claims that Trump was advocating for executions were denied by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who insisted that media instead concentrate on Democrats’ video that accused them of inciting troops to disregard “lawful orders.”
“No,” she said when asked if the president wanted lawmakers put to death.
Capitol Police and congressional leaders are working together to protect the politicians and their families, according to congressional officials.
Trump must “recant his violent rhetoric before he gets someone killed,” according to Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
In his defense of Trump, Republican Speaker Mike Johnson claimed that he was only “defining the crime of sedition” and that the Democrats’ film was “very dangerous.” He said the issue would be reviewed by the Pentagon and Justice Department.
Trump’s comments coincide with increased public dread of political violence, according to surveys. Public authorities have been the target of violent attacks, swatting attempts, and threats around the country, and Trump has escaped two reported assassination attempts.
