Federal prosecutors probe Democratic lawmakers over video urging troops to refuse illegal orders as Pentagon moves against Sen. Mark Kelly
Prosecutors sought interviews with Democrats who urged troops to refuse illegal orders in November video; the Pentagon is seeking to cut Sen. Mark Kelly’s rank.
Overview
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in D.C., led by Jeanine Pirro, requested interviews with lawmakers from a November video that urged troops to refuse clearly illegal orders.
Reps. Jason Crow, Chrissy Houlahan, Maggie Goodlander and Chris Deluzio, plus Sen. Elissa Slotkin and Sen. Mark Kelly, participated in the video and were contacted.
President Trump labeled the lawmakers 'traitors,' called their remarks 'seditious,' and suggested arrests and harsh punishment, prompting criticism and concern about weaponizing federal power.
Pentagon Secretary Pete Hegseth censured Sen. Mark Kelly, threatened rank reduction and pension cuts, and Kelly has sued the Defense Department to block administrative action.
Lawmakers call the inquiries political intimidation and defend constitutional oaths; watchdogs warn of authoritarian overreach, while the U.S. Attorney’s Office declines to confirm or deny an investigation.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame coverage as politically charged and protective of the lawmakers’ speech rights. Editorial choices emphasize allegations of DOJ “harassment” and quote lawmakers’ denunciations, highlight the U.S. attorney as a “close Trump ally,” and foreground legal experts questioning the viability of charges — collectively framing scrutiny as partisan pressure rather than neutral law-enforcement action.
Sources (16)
FAQ
Reps. Jason Crow (CO), Chrissy Houlahan (PA), Maggie Goodlander (NH), Chris Deluzio (PA), Sen. Elissa Slotkin (MI), and Sen. Mark Kelly (AZ).
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in D.C., led by Jeanine Pirro, requested interviews with five of the lawmakers: Reps. Jason Crow, Chrissy Houlahan, Maggie Goodlander, Chris Deluzio, and Sen. Elissa Slotkin.
The video stated: 'Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders. … You must refuse illegal orders. No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our Constitution.'
The Pentagon, under Secretary Pete Hegseth, is seeking to reduce Sen. Mark Kelly’s retired Navy rank and cut his pension; Kelly has sued to block this.
President Trump labeled the lawmakers' remarks 'seditious behavior, punishable by DEATH!' and accused them of treason.
History
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