Six Democratic members of Congress released a video on Tuesday targeted to members of the military and intelligence communities, advising them to defy any orders they are given that are illegal.
In response, Trump posted the following on Truth Social: “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!”
This prompted the lawmakers–U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Representatives Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), Jason Crow (D-CO-06), Maggie Goodlander (D-NH-02), and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06)–to release the following joint statement:
“We are veterans and national security professionals who love this country and swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. That oath lasts a lifetime, and we intend to keep it. No threat, intimidation, or call for violence will deter us from that sacred obligation.
“What’s most telling is that the President considers it punishable by death for us to restate the law. Our servicemembers should know that we have their backs as they fulfill their oath to the Constitution and obligation to follow only lawful orders. It is not only the right thing to do, but also our duty.
“But this isn’t about any one of us. This isn’t about politics. This is about who we are as Americans. Every American must unite and condemn the President’s calls for our murder and political violence. This is a time for moral clarity.
“In these moments, fear is contagious, but so is courage. We will continue to lead and will not be intimidated.
“Don’t Give Up the Ship!”
