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UPDATE: Five Democratic lawmakers in the United States are under investigation by the Department of Justice. This follows a video message they released in November, urging military and intelligence personnel to reject orders they consider illegal. The lawmakers involved are Senator Elissa Slotkin and Representatives Jason Crow, Maggie Goodlander, Chrissy Houlahan, and Chris Deluzio, all of whom are veterans with military and intelligence backgrounds.
The facts
The controversial video emerged while U.S. military forces conducted airstrikes in the Caribbean and Pacific. It coincided with President Donald Trump‘s decision to deploy the National Guard in various cities to address undocumented immigration and crime. The lawmakers expressed concern, stating, “This administration is pitting our uniformed military and intelligence community professionals against American citizens.”
They emphasized that no service member is obliged to follow unlawful orders. This statement raised significant concerns, leading President Trump to accuse the lawmakers of seditious behavior. He suggested on social media that such actions could warrant severe consequences.
Legal ramifications and reactions
In the wake of the video, the FBI launched an investigation targeting the five lawmakers, as well as Senator Mark Kelly, who also appeared in the video. Critics argue that these inquiries infringe upon First Amendment rights, asserting that challenging unlawful orders constitutes protected political speech.
Pushback from lawmakers
In response, Crow took to social media, asserting that the investigation aims to intimidate them. He stated, “Trump’s political cronies at the Justice Department are trying to threaten and intimidate us. Well, he’s picked a fight with the wrong people. I will always uphold my oath to the Constitution.” Slotkin, Goodlander, and Houlahan echoed his sentiments, insisting they are being targeted for highlighting issues the administration wishes to suppress.
Broader implications
The investigation’s implications reach beyond the individual lawmakers. The actions of the Trump administration raise crucial questions about the balance of power and the protection of constitutional rights within the military. Slotkin, a former CIA officer, expressed concern, stating, “This is the president’s playbook. Truth doesn’t matter, facts don’t matter, and anyone who disagrees with him becomes an enemy.”
Additionally, the Pentagon’s inquiry into Kelly, who faces potential demotion and loss of retirement pay, is perceived as a punitive response to his participation in the video. Kelly has filed a lawsuit against the Defense Department, claiming the actions against him are unlawful and unconstitutional.
As investigations continue, the lawmakers remain committed to upholding constitutional values. Houlahan highlighted the irony of the administration promoting free speech abroad while suppressing it domestically.