A group of six Democratic lawmakers, including Senators Elissa Slotkin and Mark Kelly, and Representatives Chris Deluzio, Maggie Goodlander, Chrissy Houlahan, and Jason Crow, have come under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Justice. This follows their release of a video encouraging military personnel to refuse illegal orders, asserting their constitutional rights. The video has drawn a strong backlash from President Donald Trump, who labeled the lawmakers' actions as 'seditious' and suggested they could face severe legal consequences, including arrest.

The Pentagon has initiated a review concerning Senator Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain, which could lead to court-martial proceedings under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has criticized the video as a politically motivated operation that could undermine trust within the military, arguing that it lacked specificity regarding any illegal orders. He emphasized that the military has established procedures for addressing unlawful orders and cautioned against political interference that could disrupt the chain of command.

The lawmakers, all of whom have military or intelligence backgrounds, have accused Trump of using the FBI to intimidate them. They maintain that their actions are in line with their constitutional duties and that intimidation will not deter them from fulfilling their responsibilities. Slotkin, a former CIA analyst, described the FBI's inquiry as a 'scare tactic' and expressed concern over the president's use of federal agencies against perceived adversaries.

The FBI has contacted the sergeants-at-arms of the House and Senate to arrange interviews with the lawmakers. The Justice Department has stated that the purpose of these interviews is to investigate potential wrongdoing, although specifics of the investigation remain unclear. The situation has raised significant First Amendment concerns, particularly regarding the 'speech or debate' clause of the U.S. Constitution, which protects members of Congress from prosecution for actions taken in their legislative roles.

In response to the threats from Trump, Democratic leadership has requested additional protective measures for the lawmakers involved. Some Republican members of Congress have also expressed concern over Trump's rhetoric, with Senator Rand Paul describing it as reckless. The ongoing tensions highlight broader issues regarding the use of military force, legal boundaries, and the implications for democratic oversight and accountability in military operations.