Former President Donald Trump on Thursday escalated tensions in Washington by accusing several Democratic lawmakers of “seditious behavior” after they released a video advising members of the military and intelligence community that they are legally obligated to refuse unlawful orders. Trump claimed their actions amounted to treason, prompting widespread concern among Democrats and renewed debate over political rhetoric and public safety.
The video—posted Tuesday by Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin and featuring a group of Democratic lawmakers who are also military veterans—emphasized that service members swear an oath to the Constitution and must reject any order that violates U.S. law. The lawmakers did not reference any specific policy or directive.
Their message prompted a series of fierce posts from Trump on Truth Social, where he accused the group of encouraging defiance within the military. He suggested that their actions should face severe punishment, drawing sharp condemnation from Democrats and concern from security officials.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended Trump’s response, arguing that the lawmakers’ video encouraged active-duty personnel to challenge presidential authority. Leavitt said the content of the video “may be punishable by law,” though she stressed she is not a legal expert.
Democratic lawmakers rejected the administration’s interpretation, stating that the video simply reaffirmed long-standing legal standards within military conduct. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, one of the lawmakers featured, said their message was twisted “to imply we encouraged disobedience to lawful orders,” calling the misrepresentation dangerous.
Following Trump’s posts, several targeted lawmakers reported receiving threats. Some, including Slotkin and Rep. Chris Deluzio, confirmed that they are now under increased security protection. Slotkin said the volume of threats to her office surged dramatically, emphasizing that “words have consequences.”
Democratic leaders, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, sharply criticized Trump’s rhetoric. Schumer warned that language invoking execution and treason poses a real danger, saying it “strikes a match in a country already soaked in political gasoline.”
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledged that the lawmakers’ video was “inappropriate,” but distanced himself from Trump’s harshest remarks, adding that he would not have used such wording.
Concerns about rising political violence continue to grow across the country. Recent high-profile attacks—including the killings of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and a Minnesota lawmaker, an arson incident at Gov. Josh Shapiro’s home, and multiple threats and swatting attempts against officials in both parties—have intensified scrutiny of heated political discourse.
Polls show that a growing number of Americans believe extreme partisan rhetoric contributes to violence. As tensions mount, both parties are under pressure to lower the temperature and reaffirm commitments to democratic norms, even as the 2024 political climate remains deeply polarized.