On November 20, 2025, former President Donald Trump suggested that Democratic veterans in Congress should face severe consequences, including execution, for their involvement in releasing a video that encourages U.S. military service members to disobey unlawful orders. Trump amplified this message on his social media platform, Truth Social, characterizing the lawmakers' actions as 'seditious behavior' deserving of harsh punishment.

Trump's statements framed the release of the video as a betrayal, asserting that those responsible should be arrested and tried. He claimed that such actions jeopardize the integrity of the nation, suggesting that they could undermine the country’s stability.

It is crucial to recognize that U.S. military personnel possess the legal right to refuse illegal orders, and in certain situations, they are obligated to do so. Military members take an oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution rather than to any individual in the chain of command. The Uniform Code of Military Justice stipulates that service members may face court-martial for failing to comply with lawful orders, while the military's 2024 manual clarifies that an order is considered lawful unless it contradicts the Constitution or other legal statutes.

In response to Trump's remarks, six Democratic U.S. lawmakers with military or intelligence backgrounds released a video addressing current service members, reiterating their right to refuse illegal orders. The lawmakers included Senators Mark Kelly and Elissa Slotkin, and Representatives Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Maggie Goodlander, and Chrissy Houlahan. They expressed concern that the current administration's actions could erode trust in the U.S. defense establishment and create divisions between military and civilian populations.

Trump criticized the lawmakers' video on Truth Social, labeling their statements as 'seditious behavior' and suggesting severe repercussions. His deputy chief of staff, Stephen Miller, accused the lawmakers of inciting insurrection. The Democratic lawmakers emphasized 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.

The video’s message 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. Following Trump's inflammatory remarks, House Democratic leaders took measures to ensure the safety of the lawmakers and their families, reflecting concerns over the implications of political rhetoric on public safety and military engagement.