After Trump said some Democratic lawmakers’ actions were “punishable by death,” people across the country were shocked. He was going after officials who told military and intelligence members they could ignore illegal orders.
The lawmakers hit back right away. Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, Pennsylvania Representatives Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, and New Hampshire Representative Maggie Goodlander released a statement:
“We are veterans and national security professionals who love this country and swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. That oath lasts a lifetime, and we intend to keep it. No threat, intimidation, or call for violence will deter us from that sacred obligation.”
They went further: “What’s most telling is that the President considers it punishable by death for us to restate the law. Our servicemembers should know that we have their backs as they fulfill their oath to the Constitution and obligation to follow only lawful orders. It is not only the right thing to do, but also our duty. But this isn’t about any one of us. This isn’t about politics. This is about who we are as Americans. Every American must unite and condemn the President’s calls for our murder and political violence. This is a time for moral clarity. In these moments, fear is contagious, but so is courage. We will continue to lead and will not be intimidated. Don’t Give Up the Ship!”
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The lawmakers had urged service members in a video to resist unlawful orders. “Like us, you all swore an oath. To protect and defend this Constitution. Right now, the threats to our constitution aren’t just coming from abroad, but from right here at home. Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders. You must refuse illegal orders. No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our Constitution,” they said.
Trump’s allies rushed to defend him. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed the lawmakers suffered from “TDS,” or Trump Derangement Syndrome. Trump himself called their statements “seditious behavior,” as if questioning orders now equals treason and death threats.
House Democratic leaders responded swiftly. “We unequivocally condemn Donald Trump’s disgusting and dangerous death threats against Members of Congress and call on House Republicans to forcefully do the same,” said Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark, and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer asked the Capitol Police to protect Slotkin and Kelly. “The president has called for the execution of elected officials, and he’s not doing this in a vacuum,” he said. “He is lighting a match and throwing it into a country soaked with political gasoline.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed Trump wasn’t literally calling for anyone’s death. “Every single order given to the U.S. military by this commander in chief, through the chain of command and the secretary of war, is lawful,” she said.
Featured image via YouTube screengrab
