President Donald Trump accused six Democratic lawmakers of seditious behaviour, punishable by death after they released a video urging U.S. service members to refuse unlawful commands.
This is really bad, and Dangerous to our Country. Their words cannot be allowed to stand. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP??? Trump wrote on social media.
The six lawmakers, all veterans, deemed Trump's accusations dangerous, stating they amount to threats against elected officials. No threat, intimidation, or call for violence will deter us from that sacred obligation, they responded in a joint statement.
The Democrats' video, shared by Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin, features Arizona Senator Mark Kelly and Representatives Chris DeLuzio, Maggie Goodlander, Chrissy Houlahan, and Jason Crow. Senator Kelly asserted, Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders, emphasizing the constitutional duty to protect and defend the Constitution.
In his subsequent posts, Trump reiterated that what he termed 'seditious behavior' from the lawmakers should not be tolerated, calling for an example to be set. He escalated the rhetoric further, indicating that such behavior could be 'punishable by DEATH!'
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt rejected claims that Trump was calling for the execution of Congress members, redirecting focus to the Democratic lawmakers' statements urging military defiance against lawful commands.
Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries condemned Trump's rhetoric as dangerous, requiring immediate recantation to prevent potential violence. In contrast, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson supported Trump's viewpoint, labeling the Democrats' message as 'very dangerous'.
This episode underscores the escalating concern over political discourse in the U.S., especially as recent studies indicate growing public awareness and fear concerning politically motivated violence.
