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.
U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators have discussed an ambitious March goal for Russia and Ukraine to agree on a peace deal, though that timeline is likely ...
A five-storey residential building collapsed in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli on Sunday, 4 February, trapping an unknown number of people bene...
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze says the country is accelerating investments to enhance its connectivity and transit functions, with key roa...
Portugal voted on Sunday in a presidential runoff between leftist Antonio Jose Seguro and far-right challenger Andre Ventura, with surveys indicating ...
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s chief of staff Morgan McSweeney has resigned as criticism intensifies over the decision to appoint Peter Mande...
U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators have discussed an ambitious March goal for Russia and Ukraine to agree on a peace deal, though that timeline is likely to slip given a lack of agreement on the key issue of territory, according to three sources familiar with the matter.
A five-storey residential building collapsed in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli on Sunday, 4 February, trapping an unknown number of people beneath the rubble, according to security sources.
Police in riot gear pushed toward a group of protesters who launched fireworks, flares and smoke bombs during a demonstration in Milan on Saturday, as the city hosted events on the first full day of the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.
Saudi Arabia and Syria have signed agreements worth about $5.3bn aimed at boosting cooperation across aviation, telecommunications and water infrastructure, marking one of the largest economic initiatives since Syria’s leadership change.
Storm Leonardo hit Spain and Portugal on Tuesday, forcing more than 11,000 people from their homes, as a man in Portugal died after his car was swept away by floodwaters and a second body was found in Malaga.
Iran would retaliate by striking U.S. military bases across the Middle East if it comes under attack by American forces, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday (7 January), stressing that such action should not be seen as targeting the countries hosting those bases.
At least 31 people have been killed and scores wounded in a suicide bombing at a mosque in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, during Friday prayers, prompting widespread international condemnation.
U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators have discussed an ambitious goal of reaching a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine by March, though the timeline is widely viewed as unrealistic due to deep disagreements over territory, according to multiple sources familiar with the talks.
A Japanese city near Mount Fuji has cancelled its annual cherry blossom festival, saying growing numbers of badly behaved tourists are disrupting daily life for residents.
India’s trade minister said diversifying energy imports and expanding purchases of advanced technology from the United States would serve New Delhi’s strategic interests, as the two countries move closer to finalising a long-awaited trade agreement.
U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators have discussed an ambitious March goal for Russia and Ukraine to agree on a peace deal, though that timeline is likely to slip given a lack of agreement on the key issue of territory, according to three sources familiar with the matter.
A five-storey residential building collapsed in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli on Sunday, 4 February, trapping an unknown number of people beneath the rubble, according to security sources.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze says the country is accelerating investments to enhance its connectivity and transit functions, with key road links set for completion by 2030.
Portugal voted on Sunday in a presidential runoff between leftist Antonio Jose Seguro and far-right challenger Andre Ventura, with surveys indicating a decisive victory for Seguro despite weather disruptions and pockets of political fatigue.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment