Democrat Tells Trump To Shut Up
Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) is urging President Trump to “button it up,” after his sharp response to six Democratic lawmakers who published a controversial video telling active-duty service members they could refuse what they consider “illegal orders.”
Democrats Release Stunning Video Directly Addressing the Military
On Tuesday, the six Democrats — all with military or intelligence backgrounds — posted a message on X telling U.S. troops:
“Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders.”
The lawmakers involved were:
- Sen. Mark Kelly (Ariz.)
- Reps. Chris Deluzio (Pa.)
- Maggie Goodlander (N.H.)
- Chrissy Houlahan (Pa.)
- Jason Crow (Colo.)
- And Slotkin herself
Their video immediately raised alarms among conservatives, who said elected officials should never instruct troops to defy leadership, especially at a time of major national and global instability.
Trump Responds Forcefully: “Seditious Behavior From Traitors”
President Trump pushed back on Truth Social Thursday morning, warning that the Democrats’ message was “really bad and dangerous to our country.”
Trump wrote: “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???”
and later noted that sedition under military law can carry the death penalty.
His comments drew massive media attention and triggered immediate political fallout on Capitol Hill.
Slotkin Claims Surge in Threats, Requests More Security
Slotkin told reporters her office has experienced a “huge spike” in threatening messages since Trump’s posts — a rise in aggressive phone calls, emails, and hostile online messages.
She said both the U.S. Capitol Police and House Sergeant at Arms William McFarland have urged her to increase security measures in response.
White House Clarifies Trump’s Position
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later clarified the president’s remarks.
Leavitt made it clear that:
- Trump is not calling for executions.
- He wants accountability for lawmakers who encourage troops to undermine the chain of command.
“To suggest that active-duty service members defy leadership is extremely dangerous,” Leavitt said. “The president wants them held responsible for their actions.”
Democrats Attack Trump’s Rhetoric — GOP Says Sedition Is Serious
Democratic leaders condemned Trump’s tone, while conservatives noted that Trump was underscoring the seriousness of sedition under federal law.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said Trump was defining what constitutes seditious behavior — something the U.S. Code already outlines clearly.
Under federal law:
- Seditious conspiracy carries up to 20 years in prison
- Military sedition can be punishable by death
The legal penalties are severe, which is why Trump and his supporters argue the Democrats’ message to the troops crossed a dangerous line.
