US president roundly decried for Truth Social post after lawmakers told military personnel to refuse illegal orders
Democrats expressed outrage after Donald Trump accused a group of Democratic lawmakers of engaging in “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH” and that they should be arrested after they posted a video in which they told active service members they should refuse illegal orders.
The video, released on Tuesday, features six Democratic lawmakers who have previously served in the military or in intelligence roles, including senators Elissa Slotkin and Mark Kelly, and representatives Maggie Goodlander, Chris Deluzio, Chrissy Houlahan and Jason Crow.
“Like us, you all swore an oath to protect and defend this constitution,” the lawmakers said in the 90-second video. “And 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 can refuse illegal orders, you must refuse illegal orders. No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our constitution.”
That seemed to prompt a furious response from the US president.
Military personnel should have to undergo a daily warnings that they have the Constitutional obligation to refuse to obey illegal, unConstitutional orders. Signs should be posted everywhere - in barracks, the cafeteria, duty stations, etc… Maybe it should be automatically texted to their phone every morning. If they saw regular signs, heard announcements, got texts, etc., they’d know it was serious.
More importantly, those who might be tempted to give illegal orders, will think twice, knowing that the ranks have been heavily warned about it.