President Donald Trump has accused six Democratic lawmakers of “seditious behaviour” for telling U.S. servicemembers they may refuse illegal orders, prompting concerns from Democrats about potential incitement.
Trump levelled the accusation on Thursday after reposting an article about a video released on Tuesday by six Democratic legislators with military or intelligence backgrounds.
In a Truth Social post, he wrote: “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!”, calling their message “Dangerous to our Country.”
The Democrats’ video urges members of the U.S. military and intelligence community to uphold the Constitution and decline any unlawful commands. Senator Mark Kelly said in the recording, “Our laws are clear: You can refuse illegal orders,” while Senator Elissa Slotkin concluded, “We need you to stand up for our laws, our Constitution.”
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said on Thursday (20 November) that Trump does not want lawmakers executed, but she criticised the Democrats for encouraging troops to “defy the chain of command.”
Trump made his comments after renewed scrutiny of his rhetoric since returning to the presidency in January, during which he has pressed for punitive action against several critics, including former officials John Bolton and James Comey.
Slotkin said on X that no “threat, intimidation, or call for violence” would stop her from defending the Constitution. Top Democratic figures, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, said Trump’s language risked provoking violence, with Schumer warning in the chamber that the president was “lighting a match soaked with gasoline.”
Republican reaction was mixed. Several senators declined to comment, while Senator Tim Sheehy said simply, “That’s his opinion.”
Senator Lindsey Graham said he “hated” the Democrats’ video but described Trump’s response as “over the top.”
The dispute comes amid Democratic criticism of Trump’s recent military actions against suspected drug traffickers in the southern Caribbean and the Pacific, and concerns over a possible strike on Venezuela. Democrats have also opposed Trump’s efforts to use National Guard units in domestic immigration operations.
Under U.S. law, civilians cannot be charged with sedition, though “seditious conspiracy” carries a maximum 20-year sentence. The Uniform Code of Military Justice contains a sedition provision for troops that can include the death penalty.
President Trump called on countries to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while Starmer said the UK is working with allies to restore naviga...
Senior officials from the United States and China met in Paris this week for a new round of trade talks, as the world’s two largest economies...
Court documents released on Monday (16 March) revealed that the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) ...
Governments around the world are responding cautiously to U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for countries to send naval ships to the Strait ...
Polish fighter jets intercepted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea on Friday (13 March), according to Poland’s Operational...
President Trump called on countries to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while Starmer said the UK is working with allies to restore navigation and stabilise oil markets. It comes as a strike near Iraq’s western border killed several Hashed al-Shaabi fighters, raising regional tensions.
Senior officials from the United States and China met in Paris this week for a new round of trade talks, as the world’s two largest economies attempt to manage their economic rivalry and avoid further tensions.
Court documents released on Monday (16 March) revealed that the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has asked a U.S. judge to dismiss President Donald Trump's $10 billion defamation suit over a 2024 documentary, arguing his re-election proves the edited 2021 speech did not harm his reputation.
Governments around the world are responding cautiously to U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for countries to send naval ships to the Strait of Hormuz to protect commercial shipping and help restore the flow of global oil supplies.
Iran says it is open to talks with countries seeking safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz - disrupted by recent attacks - as Israel continues to launch wide‑scale strikes on Iranian infrastructure in the west. This live report tracks the latest developments.
President Trump called on countries to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while Starmer said the UK is working with allies to restore navigation and stabilise oil markets. It comes as a strike near Iraq’s western border killed several Hashed al-Shaabi fighters, raising regional tensions.
The other evening, I was fuelling my car at a petrol station in Kenya’s capital. It was one of those small moments most motorists barely notice. The attendant filled the tank, I glanced at the pump price, paid, and drove off.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 15 March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Top U.S. and Chinese economic officials launched a new round of talks in Paris on Sunday (15 March) to resolve issues in their trade truce. The discussions aim to smooth the way for U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the end of March.
Senior officials from the United States and China met in Paris this week for a new round of trade talks, as the world’s two largest economies attempt to manage their economic rivalry and avoid further tensions.
Court documents released on Monday (16 March) revealed that the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has asked a U.S. judge to dismiss President Donald Trump's $10 billion defamation suit over a 2024 documentary, arguing his re-election proves the edited 2021 speech did not harm his reputation.
Polish fighter jets intercepted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea on Friday (13 March), according to Poland’s Operational Command.
Russia has imposed a fine of 35 million roubles (around $432,366) on the messaging platform Telegram for failing to remove content deemed illegal by the authorities, according to the Interfax news agency.
Madagascar's president, Michael Randrianirina announced the appointment of anti-corruption chief Mamitiana Rajaonarison as prime minister, six days after dismissing the previous premier along with the entire cabinet.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment