US President Donald Trump intensified his criticism of Democratic lawmakers on Thursday, accusing them of seditious conduct after they appeared in a video reminding military and intelligence personnel that they are legally bound to refuse unlawful orders. The president claimed their statements amounted to treason, escalating tensions in Washington and drawing condemnation from Democratic leaders.
Trump reposted an article naming the six lawmakers involved and warned that their remarks were “dangerous for our country.” In a forceful message on Truth Social, he labeled their actions as “SEDITOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS” and questioned whether they should be jailed. He later doubled down with another post declaring such conduct “punishable by death,” prompting sharp political backlash.
The video, featuring Senators Elissa Slotkin and Mark Kelly both with military or intelligence backgrounds alongside Representatives Jason Crow, Maggie Goodlander, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, emphasised that service members must uphold the law, even when receiving questionable directives.
Democrats Condemn Threats, Alert Security Agencies
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar released a joint statement condemning Trump’s rhetoric. They praised the lawmakers involved in the video for their service and warned that such inflammatory remarks could incite violence.
“Political violence has no place in America,” the statement read. The leaders said they had contacted the House Sergeant at Arms and the US Capitol Police to ensure the lawmakers’ safety, urging Trump to remove the posts immediately.
They accused the president of using “dangerous and unhinged language” and insisted he retract the statements before they inspire harm.
White House Responds Amid Intensifying Political Divide
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt attempted to downplay the president’s remarks, rejecting claims that Trump intended to endorse capital punishment for lawmakers. However, she strongly criticized the Democrats’ message, alleging that the video encourages troops to undermine the military chain of command.
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While US law allows for charges of “seditious conspiracy,” which carry penalties of up to 20 years for civilians, sedition under the Uniform Code of Military Justice can lead to severe punishments, including death, although such outcomes are exceedingly rare.
Growing Concerns Over Trump’s Calls for Reprisals
Since returning to office in January, Trump has repeatedly pushed for legal action against his critics. The Department of Justice has already opened inquiries involving several of his political adversaries, including former national security adviser John Bolton and former FBI director James Comey.
The escalating rhetoric surrounding Thursday’s controversy underscores rising political tension in Washington as debates over military conduct, presidential power and political accountability continue to intensify.
