GOP Happy Trump’s DOJ Failed?

In a rare and highly unusual move, a federal grand jury declined to indict several Democratic senators after the Department of Justice sought criminal charges over a controversial video about military orders.

The unsuccessful push for charges was aimed at 6 Democratic members of Congress, among them Senators Mark Kelly and Elissa Slotkin.

The video in question urged military service members and intelligence officials to refuse unlawful orders — a message many Republicans criticized as inappropriate and potentially disruptive to military discipline.

But when it came to criminal prosecution?

Republican senators say the grand jury made the right call.

Republican Leaders: “The System Worked”

Senate Armed Services Chairman Roger Wicker didn’t hesitate.

“I think the grand jury made the right decision.”

Sen. Thom Tillis went further, warning against what he described as political “lawfare.”

He cautioned that using the justice system as a political weapon — by either party — risks undermining public trust.

“Political lawfare waged by either side undermines America’s criminal justice system,” Tillis said.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune added that he trusts the grand jury’s conclusion and considers the matter largely settled.

For many GOP lawmakers, the takeaway was simple:

The judicial system functioned properly.

Constitutional Concerns Surface

Several Republican senators privately raised concerns that indicting sitting lawmakers over political speech could violate the Constitution’s Speech or Debate Clause.

That clause protects members of Congress from prosecution related to legislative acts.

One GOP senator stated bluntly:

“The Constitution trumps statute.”

Sen. Mike Rounds echoed the broader sentiment:

“The system worked the way it’s supposed to.”

Grassley: Focus on Crime, Not Political Speech

Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley said federal prosecutors should concentrate on public safety instead of pursuing charges against elected officials over political messaging.

“Law enforcement ought to be spending their time making our communities safe and going after real lawbreakers,” Grassley said.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski described the prosecution attempt as “reckless.”

Meanwhile, Appropriations Chair Susan Collins previously warned against targeting Kelly’s retired Navy rank or pension over his participation in the video.

Democrats Say They Were Never Notified

Kelly and Slotkin said they learned of the attempted indictment through the media.

According to Kelly, grand jury proceedings are conducted in secret — meaning those targeted do not get to present a legal defense during the process.

Kelly also noted how rare grand jury rejections are, citing past federal statistics showing indictments are approved in the overwhelming majority of cases.

Democrats such as Sen. Richard Blumenthal criticized the DOJ’s attempt as unprecedented and politically motivated.

The Original Controversy Explained

The issue began after Democratic lawmakers released a video reminding service members that under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, they must refuse unlawful orders.

Republicans argued the messaging risked encouraging insubordination.

President Donald Trump strongly condemned the video at the time, calling it dangerous and irresponsible.

Some Republican senators, including Rand Paul, later warned that escalating rhetoric from either side could inflame tensions unnecessarily.

Why This Grand Jury Decision Matters

Grand juries rarely refuse indictment requests from federal prosecutors. That makes this case significant.

For many Americans — especially those concerned about politicization inside federal agencies — the case raises serious questions:

• Should political speech ever trigger criminal prosecution?
• Where is the line between free expression and unlawful conduct?
• Is the DOJ applying the law evenly?

Republican senators appear united on one principle:

Disagreement is not a crime.

And in this instance, the grand jury appears to have reinforced that standard.

Bottom Line

This episode underscores the delicate balance between free speech, executive authority, and prosecutorial power.

While Republicans criticized the Democrats’ video, they also signaled that criminal charges were a bridge too far.

For voters watching closely — particularly older Americans who value constitutional protections and institutional stability — the message is clear:

The justice system must remain independent, restrained, and grounded in the rule of law.