UPDATE: The FBI has officially requested interviews with Democratic lawmakers who recently urged servicemembers to ignore illegal orders, according to a statement released earlier today. This urgent development follows intense backlash from President Trump, who has called for the imprisonment of these lawmakers over the past several days.
In a direct-to-camera video last week, six lawmakers — two senators and four members of the House, all veterans — shared a powerful message with servicemembers, emphasizing their duty to reject any orders they believe to be illegal. While no specific illegal order was cited, the message struck a chord amid rising tensions regarding military directives.
On Tuesday, October 17, 2023, the four House members involved confirmed that the FBI has contacted the House sergeant at arms regarding the interviews. They stated their determination to resist intimidation from the administration, asserting, “No amount of intimidation or harassment will ever stop us from doing our jobs and honoring our Constitution.”
The lawmakers, who are committed to their oath to defend the Constitution, articulated their refusal to comply with the FBI’s request, framing it as an attempt by President Trump to use law enforcement as a tool for political coercion. “We will not be bullied. We will never give up the ship,” they declared emphatically.
Among the lawmakers, Senators Mark Kelly and Elissa Slotkin have also been vocal in their opposition to the president’s threats. Senator Kelly is currently under investigation by the Defense Department for his comments in the video, which may lead to a court-martial or recall to active duty. The Defense Department stated, “A thorough review of these allegations has been initiated to determine further actions,” underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Further intensifying the discourse, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth labeled the group of lawmakers as the “Seditious Six,” following Trump’s accusations of sedition. Hegseth warned that vague rhetoric from political figures could undermine military trust and cohesion, stating, “The military does not need political actors injecting doubt into an already clear chain of command.”
The backlash against these threats has been swift, with Democrats and civil libertarians condemning the actions taken against the congressional members. Former Congressman Justin Amash, now a Libertarian, has called for Hegseth’s impeachment, criticizing the intimidation tactics as a violation of constitutional rights. “His effort to mislead millions about the Constitution, the freedom of speech, and the basic operation of law is abhorrent,” Amash stated.
NEXT STEPS: As this situation develops, all eyes will be on the responses from both the lawmakers and the FBI, as well as potential repercussions for the involved senators. The implications of these interviews and investigations could have lasting effects on the relationship between the military and political entities in the United States.
Stay tuned for updates on this unfolding story as it continues to impact the political landscape and the rights of servicemembers.
