Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) reported a significant increase in threats against her and other Democratic lawmakers, with estimates nearing 1,000, after former President Donald Trump shared posts targeting them on social media. This surge in threats coincided with the release of a video featuring Slotkin and five other Democratic veterans and former intelligence officers, who reminded military personnel of their right to refuse illegal orders from the administration.

In response to the heightened threat level, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) have sought to enhance security for the lawmakers involved. Slotkin noted that the Sergeant of Arms had arranged for 24/7 security due to the increased risks.

Trump's posts included accusations of seditious behavior against the Democrats and suggested severe consequences, including arrest and trial. He amplified a message from an anonymous user advocating for extreme measures against the lawmakers. Democratic leaders condemned Trump's statements, emphasizing their potentially dangerous implications and calling for him to retract his comments. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump was not calling for execution but redirected criticism towards the Democrats' message. The White House did not provide immediate comments regarding the surge in threats reported by Slotkin.

This escalation in threats follows a broader trend of political violence in the U.S., with Trump's rhetoric marking a significant departure from historical norms. The video released by the lawmakers aimed to address the divisions between military personnel and American citizens, particularly in light of the deployment of National Guard troops to enforce Trump's directives in urban areas, often against community wishes. Legal challenges to these troop placements have faced delays, raising concerns about the militarization of domestic policing.

Trump's history of issuing controversial orders, including directives that have raised legal and ethical questions, has been noted as a troubling precedent. His recent calls for violence against lawmakers have alarmed many, as they threaten not only the safety of elected officials but also challenge the foundational principles of democratic governance. The media's response to Trump's statements has also been scrutinized, with some outlets accused of downplaying the severity of his threats, raising questions about accountability in reporting on political violence. Republican responses to Trump's calls for violence have been largely muted, reflecting a concerning trend in political discourse that undermines democratic norms.