In a recent appearance on Face the Nation, Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona expressed strong criticism towards President Donald Trump for his incendiary comments that accused Kelly and other Democratic lawmakers of engaging in seditious behavior. Kelly emphasized the significant impact of Trump's words, stating, "His words carry tremendous weight, more so than anybody else in the country, and he should be aware of that." He highlighted the troubling reality that such rhetoric has led to increased threats against lawmakers.
Following Trump's Thursday social media posts, in which he called for lawmakers who encouraged military members to disobey illegal orders to be arrested, Democrats have vehemently condemned his comments. In one of his posts, Trump ominously stated, "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!" He also shared a message that referenced hanging, suggesting a historic figure's approval of such extreme measures. These remarks were made in response to a video featuring Kelly, Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, and several representatives, including Jason Crow of Colorado, who discussed the importance of upholding the Constitution.
During the broadcast, Crow articulated that the video addressed the potential for military personnel to receive unlawful orders, a concern that Trump has reportedly raised in the past. He pointed out specific examples of threats made by the president, including the idea of deploying troops in cities like Chicago or polling stations. The remarks have raised alarm among lawmakers who fear the implications of Trump's rhetoric on national security and military conduct.
In response to the backlash, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified on Thursday that the president does not intend to execute members of Congress. However, Trump later reiterated to Fox News Radio that while he isn’t threatening death, he believes lawmakers are "in serious trouble." This ambiguity has only fueled further controversy and concern regarding Trump's statements and their potential consequences.
Sen. Kelly and Rep. Crow both declared they would not be intimidated by Trump's threats. Kelly remarked, "We both served our country, we swore an oath," reiterating their commitment to uphold the law. He also referenced his personal experience with political violence as the husband of former Rep. Gabby Giffords, who survived a shooting in 2011. Kelly stressed that the president should recognize the serious consequences of his words, particularly in light of a recent assassination attempt against Trump.
Rep. Crow detailed a bomb threat reported at his district office over the weekend, expressing concern over the credibility of such threats in light of Trump’s rhetoric. He noted, "When you have the president of the United States threatening to execute and to hang... people listen to it." Crow drew parallels between current events and the January 6 Capitol attack, emphasizing the dangerous nature of Trump's history of inflammatory rhetoric.
Both Kelly and Crow highlighted the need for a broader conversation regarding the implications of Trump’s language and its potential to incite violence. Crow pointed out that reminding service members of their constitutional duties should not be met with threats of violence; rather, it should reinforce the respect for the Constitution and the rule of law. He insisted that proactive discussions must occur to prevent any unlawful orders from being issued to military personnel in the future.
As lawmakers continue to navigate the challenges posed by incendiary political discourse, the call for accountability and respect for the rule of law remains a pressing concern. The implications of such rhetoric extend beyond politics, affecting the safety and security of individuals across the nation.