'Punishable by death': Trump blasts 'seditious' Democrats’ video urging troops to disobey orders

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Thursday, November 20, accused six Democratic lawmakers of engaging in “seditious behavior” after they released a video urging members of the military and intelligence community to stand by the Constitution and “refuse illegal orders.”

The video shared by Sen Elissa Slotkin, featured fellow veterans Sen Mark Kelly and Reps Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Chrissy Houlahan, and Maggie Goodlander.

Video sparks fury in Trump administration 

Slotkin wrote in her caption, “We want to speak directly to members of the Military and the Intelligence Community. The American people need you to stand up for our laws and our Constitution. Don’t give up the ship.”

In the video, the group warned that “this administration is pitting our uniformed military and intelligence community professionals against American citizens.”

They added, “Right now, the threats to our Constitution aren’t just coming from abroad, but from right here at home. Our laws are clear: You can refuse illegal orders… You must refuse illegal orders. We have your back.”

Several participants closed the message by repeating the Navy phrase, “Don’t give up the ship.”

Trump hits back and says they need to be 'arrested'

Within hours, Trump posted an article about the video and issued a denunciation on Truth Social.

“It’s called SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL,” he wrote. “Each one of these traitors to our Country should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL. Their words cannot be allowed to stand- We won’t have a Country anymore!!! An example MUST BE SET. President DJT.”

Trump followed this up with a series of reposts attacking the Democrats, including one reportedly calling for them to be hanged.

“This is really bad, and dangerous to our Country,” he wrote. “Their words cannot be allowed to stand. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???”

In a third post, the president went even further: “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!”

After delivering that message, the group emphasized support for service members who might face such a dilemma, saying “We have your back,” and reaffirmed that their loyalty was to the Constitution, not any single political leader.

One by one, the lawmakers stated that the law is explicit about a service member’s duty regarding unlawful commands, repeating the central line, “You can refuse illegal orders.”