Trump Calls for Arrest of Democratic Lawmakers Over Military Disobedience Video

The former president accused six Democratic legislators of "sedition" and suggested their actions are punishable by death, following their release of a video urging the military to disobey "illegal orders."

Accusations of Sedition and Treason

Former U.S. President Donald Trump urged on Thursday the arrest and prosecution of six Democratic legislators. In a series of posts on his Truth Social platform, he reacted to a video in which the lawmakers urge the military to disobey what they describe as "illegal orders" from the commander-in-chief. Trump insisted these actions constitute sedition and treason.

"This is called seditious conduct on a massive scale. Every one of these traitors to our country should be arrested and tried. We cannot let their words go unpunished, we will lose our country! An example must be made!" Trump wrote in his first message.

He followed with subsequent posts, stating, "This is really serious and dangerous for our country. We cannot let their words go unpunished. Seditious conduct of traitors! Should they be jailed!?" and, in a third message, "Seditious conduct, punishable by death!"

Content of the Controversial Video

The video in question was published on Wednesday. In it, the six legislators emphasize that members of the armed forces are obligated to "defend the Constitution" and to "disobey illegal orders," even if they come from Trump. However, the video does not specify which particular orders it is referencing.

This incident occurs amidst ongoing tensions regarding the use of military forces. Since his return to the political forefront, Trump has previously ordered military deployments in various cities, many governed by Democrats, arguing it was necessary to quell riots he claims are backed by the "radical left." These deployments have been blocked by several courts that found the reasoning invalid.

White House Response

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt denied that the U.S. president wants to "execute" members of Congress. However, she strongly condemned the video and accused the legislators of sending a "very dangerous message" that "may be punishable by law."

"The integrity of our Armed Forces relies on the chain of command, and if it is broken, it can lead to deaths. It can create chaos, and that is precisely what these congressmen, who swore to uphold the Constitution, are fostering," Leavitt stated.

She also asserted that it is "not true" that Trump has given illegal orders, as the video suggests. "Each and every order that the Commander in Chief gives to the Armed Forces of the United States, through the chain of command and the Secretary of Defense, is legal... We do not disobey court orders," she concluded.