On November 20, 2025, six Democratic U.S. lawmakers, all with military or intelligence backgrounds, released a video addressing current service members, emphasizing their legal right to refuse illegal orders. The lawmakers included Senator Mark Kelly (Arizona), Senator Elissa Slotkin (Michigan), Representative Jason Crow (Colorado), Representative Chris Deluzio (Pennsylvania), Representative Maggie Goodlander (New Hampshire), and Representative Chrissy Houlahan (Pennsylvania). They expressed concern that trust in the U.S. defense establishment is jeopardized by the current administration's actions, which they claim pit military and intelligence professionals against American citizens.

In response, former President Donald Trump criticized the video on his social media platform, Truth Social, labeling the lawmakers' statements as 'seditious behavior' and suggesting severe consequences for their actions, including execution. Trump's deputy chief of staff, Stephen Miller, accused the lawmakers of inciting insurrection. The Democratic lawmakers reiterated that military personnel are bound by their oath to protect the Constitution and can refuse unlawful orders, a principle supported by the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which states that service members must only follow lawful commands.

The video’s message, while politically charged, serves as a reminder of the legal obligations of military personnel, particularly in light of recent events where the military's role has been politicized. Trump's administration has faced scrutiny for its use of military force in domestic situations, including the deployment of the National Guard in response to civil unrest and controversial military operations abroad.

The Democratic lawmakers' call for adherence to lawful orders is framed within a broader context of protecting democratic principles and ensuring that military power is not misused against citizens. Following Trump's inflammatory remarks, House Democratic leaders took steps to ensure the safety of the lawmakers and their families, highlighting concerns over the implications of political rhetoric on public safety and military engagement.