In a shocking turn of events, Democrats have voiced their indignation following Donald Trump's incendiary remarks accusing a group of Democratic lawmakers of being “traitors.” Trump further escalated the situation by suggesting they should face arrest and even death after these lawmakers posted a video urging active service members to refuse illegal orders.
The video, released on Tuesday, features six Democratic lawmakers with military or intelligence backgrounds, including senators Elissa Slotkin and Mark Kelly, along with representatives Maggie Goodlander, Chris DeLuzio, Chrissy Houlahan, and Jason Crow. In the 90-second clip, these lawmakers reminded service members of their oath to protect the Constitution, stating, “And right now, the threats to our constitution aren’t just coming from abroad, but from right here at home.” They emphasized, “You can refuse illegal orders, you must refuse illegal orders,” reinforcing that no one is obligated to follow orders that violate the law or the Constitution.
Trump's response was swift and furious. On Thursday morning, he took to Truth Social, declaring, “It’s called SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL. Each one of these traitors to our Country should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL.” He followed this with another post stating, “This is really bad, and Dangerous to our Country. Their words cannot be allowed to stand. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP??? President DJT.” Perhaps most alarmingly, he tweeted, “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!” and shared a statement suggesting, “HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !!”
In the wake of Trump's inflammatory comments, House Democratic leaders Hakeem Jeffries, Katherine Clark, and Pete Aguilar issued a joint statement condemning the threats. They stated, “Political violence has no place in America,” and praised the service of the lawmakers targeted by Trump. “We unequivocally condemn Donald Trump’s disgusting and dangerous death threats against members of Congress, and call on House Republicans to forcefully do the same,” they asserted. They also indicated that they had contacted the House sergeant at arms and the United States Capitol police to ensure the safety of these members and their families.
The lawmakers featured in the video released their own statement, affirming their commitment to their oath. “We are veterans and national security professionals who love this country and swore an oath to protect and defend the constitution of the United States,” they declared. They emphasized that their obligation to uphold the Constitution lasts a lifetime and will not be deterred by threats or calls for violence. They expressed that every American must unite against the president’s calls for violence, stating, “This is a time for moral clarity.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also condemned Trump's remarks, stating on social media, “Let’s be crystal clear: the President of the United States is calling for the execution of elected officials.” He urged, “Every Senator, every Representative, every American – regardless of party – should condemn this immediately and without qualification.”
In contrast, Mike Johnson, the Republican House Speaker, defended Trump’s characterization of the Democrats’ actions as “sedition,” labeling the video as “wildly inappropriate.” Johnson stated, “It is very dangerous, you have leading members of Congress telling troops to disobey orders, I think that’s unprecedented in American history.” He acknowledged Trump's posts as potentially defining the crime of sedition, emphasizing that it was inappropriate for lawmakers to encourage troops to disobey lawful orders.
During a White House press conference, when asked about Trump’s intentions regarding Congress members, press secretary Karoline Leavitt responded, “No.” She explained, “Let’s be clear about what the president is responding to,” reiterating the need for a unified chain of command in the military and condemning the actions of the Democratic lawmakers as potentially dangerous.
This incident has sparked a heated debate about the boundaries of political discourse and the implications of threatening rhetoric in American politics. As the situation unfolds, it remains crucial for both parties to address the growing concerns about political violence and the safety of elected officials.