‘Seditious Six’ see fundraising surge amid FBI probe of controversial video and Trump’s threats

WASHINGTON, DC: A federal backlash over a video featuring six Democrat lawmakers telling active-duty troops not to follow unspecified “illegal orders” is suddenly turning into a fundraising jackpot for the group now branded the “Seditious Six.”

The clip released last week featured Sens Mark Kelly of Arizona and Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, as well as Reps Jason Crow of Colorado, Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania’s Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan. All six have military or intelligence backgrounds, but that did not spare them from President Trump’s fury. He later accused them of committing “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!” But that comment may have backfired, as the lawmakers’ donor lists began swelling.

In the 24 hours since the Department of War announced it was launching a “thorough review” of Kelly’s actions, the senator became the focus of at least a dozen fundraising emails and texts, according to the Washington Examiner. Two came from Kelly’s own campaign, while the rest were sent by prominent Democrats eager to split donations.

Among those piggybacking on the moment were Maryland Gov Wes Moore, Rep Chris Pappas of New Hampshire, and Sens Adam Schiff of California and Ruben Gallego of Arizona.

Mark Kelly blasts probe as ‘political persecution’ amid fundraising surge

Kelly, a retired Navy combat pilot and former astronaut, is still subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. His fundraising messages didn’t shy away from blasting the investigation.

“Let’s call this what it is: political persecution,” one Kelly campaign text read, per the Examiner. “The point is I need you to chip in $10 or whatever you can afford so we have the resources necessary to fight back against what comes next.” Another message said, “If you could split a donation between me and Chris Pappas to help us prepare for any outcome, I’d really appreciate it.”

Kelly’s team did not respond to the Examiner’s request for comment. It’s also worth noting that he isn’t on the ballot until 2028. Meanwhile, the FBI reportedly plans to interview all six lawmakers about their cameo in the controversial video.

Pete Hegseth blasts ‘Seditious Six’ as Democrats push back

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth ripped into the six Democrats for injecting what he called confusion into the military chain of command.

“In the military, vague rhetoric and ambiguity undermine trust, create hesitation in the chain of command, and erode cohesion,” Hegseth posted on X. “The military already has clear procedures for handling unlawful orders. It does not need political actors injecting doubt into an already clear chain of command.”

Slotkin, one of the lawmakers in the video, has since acknowledged that Trump has not issued any "illegal orders."

Hegseth alleged, “As veterans of various sorts, the Seditious Six knew exactly what they were doing, sowing doubt through a politically motivated influence operation.” Meanwhile, Goodlander, Crow, Deluzio, and Houlahan released a pointed joint statement Tuesday, accusing Trump of weaponizing federal law enforcement. They said President Trump was “using the FBI as a tool to intimidate and harass members of Congress.”

“Yesterday, the FBI contacted the House and Senate Sergeants at Arms requesting interviews. No amount of intimidation or harassment will ever stop us from doing our jobs and honoring our Constitution. We swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. That oath lasts a lifetime, and we intend to keep it. We will not be bullied. We will never give up the ship," they declared.