Trump Labels Democrats’ Video Urging Military to Defy Orders as ‘Seditious Behavior’ and Calls for Arrests
Washington, D.C., November 21, 2025 — Former President Donald Trump sharply criticized a video released by six Democratic lawmakers urging members of the U.S. military to refuse illegal orders, describing their actions as “seditious behavior” that is “punishable by death.” Trump called for legal repercussions and arrests of the Democrats involved, escalating tensions between partisan factions with direct implications for military loyalty and civilian command.
The controversial video, published on Tuesday by six Democratic members of Congress — including Senators Elissa Slotkin, Mark Kelly, and Representatives Jason Crow, Maggie Goodlander, Chris Deluzio, and Chrissy Houlahan — urged active-duty service members and national security personnel to disobey any unlawful commands. These lawmakers, all with backgrounds in the military or intelligence communities, framed their message as a precautionary advisory against potential misuse of military power.
In response, President Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social condemning the video as “seditious behavior.” He asserted that the Democrats’ call to military personnel to potentially defy the chain of command was tantamount to treason and said that such acts deserved the harshest punishments, including death. Trump demanded the lawmakers be arrested for orchestrating what he described as an insurrectionist message.
The White House, however, sought to clarify that Trump was not advocating for the execution of sitting members of Congress but was asserting that the lawmakers could face legal consequences. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that the president was reacting to what he described as conspiring to encourage defiance within the military, an act the administration deems dangerous and unwarranted.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer subsequently requested additional Capitol police protection for Senators Slotkin and Kelly, citing security concerns following Trump’s statements.
Supporters of the Democratic lawmakers have stressed that the video was intended to prepare military personnel for difficult ethical and legal decisions they may face regarding unlawful orders and not to undermine civilian authority or incite mutiny. Representative Jason Crow explained that the message was precautionary and aimed at ensuring armed forces uphold legality and the Constitution in all situations.
Legal experts and political analysts have noted that while military members are legally required to refuse explicitly illegal orders, a public political video urging disobedience of commands from civilian leadership represents an unusual and contentious approach with complex implications for civil-military relations.
This episode represents a critical flashpoint in current political discourse, highlighting the fragile balance between military obedience, civilian oversight, and partisan polarization in the United States. The situation remains fluid as debates around the legality and political consequences of the video continue to unfold.