The FBI is proactively scheduling interviews with six Democratic members of Congress who recently released a video urging military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. This development has raised significant concerns among lawmakers and the public alike. Sources familiar with the situation indicate that these interviews will be conducted on behalf of the Justice Department, although the exact timing remains uncertain due to the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.
Among those involved is Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin, who highlighted that the FBI's Counterterrorism Division has initiated an inquiry into her actions. Slotkin expressed her strong feelings regarding the situation, stating, "The President directing the FBI to target us is exactly why we made this video in the first place." She accused the current administration of weaponizing the federal government against perceived enemies and employing legal harassment as a means of intimidation. Slotkin emphasized her commitment to uphold her duties, stating, "This isn't just about a video. This is not the America I know, and I'm not going to let this next step from the FBI stop me from speaking up for my country and our Constitution."
The offices of the House Democrats featured in the video also released a statement to ABC News confirming the FBI's outreach for interviews. They condemned the president's use of the FBI as a tool for intimidation, asserting, "No amount of intimidation or harassment will ever stop us from doing our jobs and honoring our Constitution." They reiterated their lifelong commitment to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, declaring, "We will not be bullied. We will never give up the ship."
In an interview aired on X, FBI Director Kash Patel addressed the situation, stating that the decision to open an inquiry rests with career analysts and agents at the FBI. He noted, "Is there a lawful predicate to open up an inquiry and investigation or is there not? That decision will be made by the career agents and analysts here at the FBI." When pressed for details, Patel reiterated the sensitivity of the ongoing matter, emphasizing the need for discretion.
The situation has drawn sharp criticisms from former President Donald Trump, who previously labeled these members of Congress as engaging in seditious behavior. Trump stated, "I'm not threatening death, but I think they're in serious trouble." His remarks reflect the heightened tensions surrounding this issue.
In a related development, the Pentagon has announced that it will conduct a thorough review into Democratic Senator Mark Kelly, who is also one of the six lawmakers in the controversial video. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that the military already has established procedures for handling unlawful orders and criticized the involvement of political actors in the chain of command. He referred to the six Democrats as the "Seditious Six," explaining that the probe is focused on Kelly due to his status as a retired Navy commander, making him subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
In response to the FBI's intent to interview those featured in the video, Senator Kelly's office asserted that the Arizona senator will not be silenced. A statement from his office declared, "Senator Kelly won't be silenced by President Trump and Secretary Hegseth's attempt to intimidate him and keep him from doing his job as a U.S. Senator."
This unfolding situation exemplifies the complex interplay between politics, law enforcement, and military protocols in the United States, raising critical questions about the limits of free speech and the role of government agencies in political discourse.