US President Donald Trump delivers remarks to the United Nations General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York City on September 23, 2025. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP)
President Donald Trump has accused six Democratic lawmakers of committing “seditious behavior, punishable by death” after they released a video urging US service members to refuse unlawful commands.
In a series of posts on Truth Social on Thursday, Trump wrote, “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL, An example MUST BE SET.”
He added: “Seditious behavior, punishable by DEATH!”
Trump reposted another message calling for lawmakers to be hanged, alleging they were “traitors.”
The video shared by Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin and featuring Senator Mark Kelly alongside Representatives Chris DeLuzio, Maggie Goodlander, Chrissy Houlahan and Jason Crow asserted that members of the military could lawfully refuse illegal orders.
“Our laws are clear,” Sen. Kelly says in the video. “You can refuse illegal orders.”
The group warned that threats to the US Constitution now come “from right here at home.”
The six lawmakers, all veterans or former intelligence officials, condemned Trump’s remarks as dangerous intimidation:
“No threat, intimidation, or call for violence will deter us from that sacred obligation,” they said in a joint statement.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt rejected claims Trump was calling for executions, insisting reporters focus instead on Democrats’ video accusing them of encouraging troops to defy “lawful orders.”
When pressed on whether the president wants lawmakers executed, she responded: “No.”
Congressional leaders say they are coordinating with Capitol Police to protect the lawmakers and their families.
Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries demanded Trump “recant his violent rhetoric before he gets someone killed.”
Republican Speaker Mike Johnson defended Trump, saying the Democrats’ video was “very dangerous” and that he was merely “defining the crime of sedition.” He said the Justice Department and Pentagon would review the matter.
Trump’s remarks come as studies show Americans increasingly fear political violence. Reports of threats, swatting attempts, and violent attacks against public officials have surged nationwide while Trump himself has survived two alleged assassination attempts.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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