UPDATE: The FBI is demanding interviews with Democratic lawmakers who urged servicemembers to disregard illegal orders. This significant development comes amid escalating tensions, as President Trump has called for the imprisonment of these Congress members over their actions.
Earlier today, four House members and two senators, all veterans, released a direct-to-camera video urging servicemembers to refuse any orders they believe to be illegal. While they did not specify particular orders, the message was clear: uphold the law.
In a statement issued on October 3, 2023, the House members revealed that the House sergeant at arms has contacted them regarding the FBI interviews. They assert they will not be intimidated by the Trump administration. “No amount of intimidation or harassment will ever stop us from doing our jobs and honoring our Constitution,” they said.
The lawmakers, known as the “Seditious Six,” include Senators Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain, and Elissa Slotkin, a former CIA officer. Both senators are now facing scrutiny, with the Defense Department initiating an investigation that could lead to a recall to active duty for court-martial proceedings.
The Defense Department stated, “In accordance with the Uniform Code of Military Justice … and other applicable regulations, a thorough review of these allegations has been initiated.” This investigation intensifies the stakes for the lawmakers involved.
President Trump has been vocal on social media, labeling the lawmakers as seditious and expressing his disapproval of their actions. In a series of posts on Truth Social over the weekend, he called for legal repercussions against them. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed this sentiment, describing the lawmakers’ video as damaging to military trust and cohesion.
As the situation unfolds, civil libertarians and Democrats are denouncing these threats against Congress members. Former Congressman Justin Amash criticized Hegseth, calling for his impeachment, emphasizing that the lawmakers’ video was lawful and protected by free speech.
With the FBI’s involvement, the implications of this situation are profound. The interviews could set a precedent regarding the accountability of lawmakers and the military’s response to political discourse.
As developments continue to emerge, the focus remains on how these interviews will unfold and what consequences may result for both the lawmakers and the Trump administration. Stay tuned for updates as this story progresses.
