Democratic lawmakers who recently urged U.S. troops to disregard illegal orders are now facing an alleged federal investigation into their actions. Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan revealed that the FBI notified six lawmakers, including herself, about the inquiry on Monday. The lawmakers, all of whom have military or intelligence backgrounds, appeared in a video last week addressing the troops. The message, which criticized the Trump administration’s policies, has sparked significant controversy. President Trump accused the Democrats of ‘seditious behavior, punishable by death,’ and the Pentagon has initiated a review of ‘serious allegations of misconduct’ against Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, who also featured in the video. Slotkin and her colleagues remain defiant, stating that ‘no amount of intimidation or harassment’ will deter them from upholding the Constitution. The Department of Justice has declined to comment on the alleged investigation. The video, shared amid escalating tensions between the Trump administration and the Venezuelan government, as well as opposition to the deployment of National Guard troops in Democrat-led cities, has drawn bipartisan condemnation. Trump’s inflammatory remarks on social media, suggesting the lawmakers be arrested and hanged, were later walked back in a TV interview. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has accused Senator Kelly of violating military law, potentially subjecting him to court-martial proceedings under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized Kelly for using his military rank to lend authority to his statements, claiming it ‘brings discredit upon the armed forces.’ Kelly, however, remains steadfast, asserting that he will not be silenced by those who prioritize power over the Constitution. The FBI and Department of Justice have reportedly contacted Capitol Police to schedule interviews with the lawmakers, though the FBI declined to comment when approached by the BBC.
Democrats who told troops to disobey illegal orders push back on alleged FBI probe
