Six Democratic lawmakers, including Senators Elissa Slotkin and Mark Kelly, and Representatives Chris Deluzio, Maggie Goodlander, Chrissy Houlahan, and Jason Crow, have released a video asserting that military personnel have the right to refuse illegal orders. This video has drawn significant attention, leading to investigations by the FBI and the Department of Justice. The lawmakers, all of whom have military or intelligence backgrounds, expressed concerns regarding the Trump administration's potential violations of legal protocols related to military actions, particularly in Latin American waters.

In response to the video, President Donald Trump labeled the lawmakers' actions as 'seditious' and suggested they could face severe legal consequences, including arrest. He has characterized their message as undermining military cohesion and trust. The FBI has initiated interviews with the lawmakers, which they allege is an attempt by the Trump administration to intimidate them. Slotkin described the inquiry as a 'scare tactic' and emphasized their commitment to their constitutional duties.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has criticized the video, claiming it could disrupt the chain of command and that it lacks specificity regarding any illegal orders. He has initiated a formal review concerning Senator Kelly, a retired Navy captain, which may lead to court-martial proceedings under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). The other lawmakers, being former military personnel but not retired, are not subject to the UCMJ.

The situation has raised significant concerns regarding the implications for democratic oversight and accountability in military operations. It also highlights ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and Democratic representatives, with some Republican lawmakers expressing disapproval of Trump's rhetoric. The investigations into the Democratic lawmakers reflect broader issues regarding the use of federal agencies for political purposes and the potential erosion of protections for congressional members under the First Amendment and the 'speech or debate' clause of the U.S. Constitution.