On November 20, 2025, former President Donald Trump made a series of posts on his platform, Truth Social, suggesting that several Democratic lawmakers should face severe punishment, including the death penalty, for what he termed 'seditious behavior.' This statement followed the release of a video by Senators Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and Mark Kelly of Arizona, along with Representatives Jason Crow, Maggie Goodlander, Chris Deluzio, and Chrissy Houlahan, all of whom have military or intelligence backgrounds. In the video, they encouraged military personnel to uphold their oaths to the Constitution and to refuse unlawful orders.

Trump characterized the lawmakers' actions as a threat to national integrity, labeling them as 'traitors' and calling for their arrest and trial. He claimed their statements posed a significant danger to the country and insisted that an example must be set. His rhetoric included calls for extreme measures against those he accused of undermining the Constitution.

The Democratic lawmakers emphasized the importance of maintaining public trust in the military and reminded service members of their legal right to refuse illegal orders, referencing Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Legal experts noted that the legislators likely enjoy broad immunity for their statements made in an official capacity, and the First Amendment protects political speech. The U.S. has not enforced laws against seditious speech since the repeal of the Sedition Act in 1920, and while there are provisions for seditious conspiracy, they apply to actions aimed at violently opposing the government.

In response to Trump's comments, Democratic leaders, including House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, condemned his remarks as 'absolutely vile' and a direct threat to elected officials. They expressed concern for the safety of the lawmakers involved and indicated they had contacted security authorities for protection. Schumer specifically requested increased security for Slotkin and Kelly due to the potential risks associated with Trump's statements.

Trump's Deputy Chief of Staff, Stephen Miller, accused the Democratic lawmakers of inciting insurrection, while the lawmakers defended their actions as a lawful reminder to service members. Representative Crow criticized Trump's past comments that could be interpreted as inciting violence and highlighted the need for military personnel to adhere to the law, particularly in light of Trump's controversial statements regarding military actions.

The White House defended Trump's remarks, framing the situation as a response to what they characterized as a conspiracy by lawmakers to undermine military command. However, the legal basis for prosecuting the legislators remains unclear, as their actions are protected under the First Amendment and established military law. The incident underscores ongoing tensions regarding military ethics, the role of lawmakers in influencing military conduct, and the broader implications of political rhetoric on civil-military relations in the United States.