The Trump administration is currently facing resistance on multiple fronts, particularly concerning its healthcare subsidy proposal and military order compliance. The White House has postponed President Donald Trump’s plan to extend subsidies for the Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly referred to as Obamacare, due to insufficient support among House Republicans. House Speaker Mike Johnson communicated to Trump’s aides that a two-year extension of enhanced tax credits, which currently assist over 20 million individuals, would likely encounter significant opposition, especially regarding abortion coverage in some marketplace plans.

As discussions progressed, the White House opted to delay the rollout of the plan, which was expected to include income caps and measures to prevent fraud. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimated the cost of the proposed extension at approximately $50 billion over two years, with potential offsets if certain cost-sharing changes were implemented. Despite this setback, some Democratic lawmakers, including Senator Maggie Hassan, have expressed a willingness to negotiate, although the inclusion of stricter abortion-related provisions could complicate bipartisan support in the Senate. The urgency of the situation is heightened by the impending expiration of the enhanced subsidies at the end of the year, which could lead to increased costs and coverage losses for many Americans.

In a separate but related issue, Senator Mark Kelly, a Democrat from Arizona and former Navy officer, has stated that military personnel are justified in disobeying illegal orders. This assertion follows accusations from the Trump administration, which has initiated an investigation into Kelly for allegedly encouraging military members to ignore unlawful commands. Kelly emphasized the importance of adhering to the law, particularly in light of comments made by Trump, who suggested that lawmakers should face severe consequences for their statements.

The Pentagon's investigation was prompted by a video released by Kelly and five other Democratic lawmakers, warning military personnel about potential threats to the Constitution from within the government. The video advised service members of their right to refuse illegal orders. In response, Trump labeled the lawmakers' actions as seditious, calling for accountability and suggesting that their behavior could undermine national stability. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized the video as reckless, arguing that it could disrupt military discipline. The Pentagon has indicated that it may take action against Kelly, citing a federal law that prohibits military retirees from interfering with military order and discipline.

The FBI has also begun interviewing six Democratic lawmakers regarding their public assertions that military personnel have the legal right to refuse unlawful orders. This development follows the Pentagon's indication that it might recall Senator Kelly to active duty to potentially face military charges. Trump has accused the lawmakers of sedition, a charge that could carry severe penalties, including death. A Justice Department official noted that the FBI's interviews aim to investigate any potential wrongdoing.

The lawmakers, including Senator Elissa Slotkin and Representatives Jason Crow, Maggie Goodlander, Chris Deluzio, and Chrissy Houlahan, all military veterans, have characterized the administration's threats as intimidation tactics. They assert that their statements align with U.S. law, emphasizing that military personnel are sworn to uphold the Constitution rather than follow directives from the president. Concerns have been raised regarding the legality of military actions ordered by the Trump administration, particularly those involving strikes on vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking, which the Pentagon has justified by labeling drug smugglers as terrorists. Additionally, there are apprehensions about the use of military forces in domestic contexts.

While sedition is not a charge applicable to civilians under U.S. law, the Uniform Code of Military Justice does include provisions for sedition, with severe penalties possible. This situation underscores ongoing tensions between military obedience and the rule of law, particularly in the context of recent political events and allegations of illegal orders issued by the Trump administration.