The FBI has requested interviews with several Democratic lawmakers who recently urged servicemembers to disregard illegal orders. This development follows a video statement made by the lawmakers, in which they encouraged military personnel to uphold their legal responsibilities. The request for interviews has sparked a backlash, particularly from those involved, who view it as an attempt to intimidate them.
Background on the Controversy
On March 5, 2024, six legislators—comprising two senators and four members of the House of Representatives—released a video in which they emphasized the duty of servicemembers to reject any orders they perceive as illegal. While they did not specify any particular order linked to President Donald Trump, their message served as a general warning against unlawful directives.
In the days following the video, President Trump has publicly called for the imprisonment of these lawmakers, intensifying the scrutiny on their actions. The four House members involved in the video confirmed on March 12, 2024, that the FBI had contacted the House sergeant at arms regarding the interviews. They expressed their determination not to be intimidated, stating, “President Trump is using the FBI as a tool to intimidate and harass Members of Congress.”
Reactions from Lawmakers and Defense Department
In their joint statement, the lawmakers asserted that they would not yield to pressure from the administration. They reiterated their commitment to their constitutional duties, declaring, “No amount of intimidation or harassment will ever stop us from doing our jobs and honoring our Constitution.”
The two senators involved, Mark Kelly and Elissa Slotkin, both veterans, have also pushed back against the administration’s threats. Senator Kelly is currently under investigation by the Department of Defense for his remarks in the video, which could lead to him being recalled to active duty for a potential court-martial.
In a statement, the Defense Department noted, “In accordance with the Uniform Code of Military Justice and other applicable regulations, a thorough review of these allegations has been initiated to determine further actions.” This investigation underscores the seriousness with which the military is treating the statements made by lawmakers.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has labeled the lawmakers as the “Seditious Six,” following President Trump’s accusations of sedition. Hegseth emphasized the importance of a clear chain of command in the military and criticized the lawmakers for creating ambiguity that could undermine trust among servicemembers.
Broader Implications and Public Responses
The actions taken by the FBI and the Defense Department have drawn condemnation from various quarters. Democrats and civil liberties advocates have denounced what they perceive as intimidation tactics against elected officials. Former Congressman Justin Amash, who transitioned from the Republican to the Libertarian party, called for Hegseth’s impeachment, stating, “His effort to mislead millions of Americans about the Constitution, the freedom of speech, and the basic operation of law is abhorrent.”
This incident raises significant questions about the relationship between political discourse and military conduct. As the situation develops, it is poised to have lasting implications for the interplay between elected officials and the military, particularly regarding the boundaries of free speech and the responsibilities of servicemembers.
