On November 26, 2025, a video released by six Democratic lawmakers, including Representative Eric Swalwell, prompted discussions about military personnel's responsibilities in the face of potential illegal orders from former President Donald Trump. The video, which has been described as a critique of Trump's authority, encourages service members to refuse unlawful commands, asserting that U.S. laws permit such defiance.

Swalwell noted that military members have expressed their role as a check on presidential power, suggesting that they are prepared to uphold their constitutional oaths against unlawful directives. This sentiment was echoed by Senator Ruben Gallego, who warned of potential repercussions for military personnel who might face government retaliation for their political expressions, particularly in light of the Department of War's review of Senator Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain, for his involvement in the video.

The video has sparked a broader conversation about the implications of military defiance. Some military personnel, such as Army Major Rebecca J Maj, have publicly refused orders based on personal beliefs, indicating a trend among younger service members to challenge directives that conflict with their values. An Air Force member also criticized U.S. immigration policies, framing deportations as violations of rights.

Critics argue that such acts of defiance could undermine the military's chain of command and erode public trust in the armed forces, which has historically maintained high levels of support. The complexities of military culture are further highlighted by the dual obligation of service members to obey lawful commands while also being trained to disobey unconstitutional orders.

The conversation surrounding this issue reflects broader concerns about the intersection of military duty and political accountability. Representative Adam Smith has characterized the actions against Kelly as an infringement on political speech, emphasizing the importance of elected officials being able to express concerns about military actions lacking clear justification. While Smith believes Trump has issued illegal orders, Senator Elissa Slotkin, who also appeared in the video, stated she was unaware of any specific illegal orders, acknowledging the complexities surrounding military actions.

This ongoing discourse raises critical questions about the role of lawmakers in influencing military conduct and the potential consequences for service members navigating political disputes, underscoring the delicate balance between military integrity and political expression.