U.S. President Donald Trump criticized six congressional Democrats for a video they released advising troops to refuse unlawful orders, calling it seditious behavior. The Democrats in the video, including senators Mark Kelly and Elissa Slotkin, and House members Jason Crow, Maggie Goodlander, Chris Deluzio, and Chrissy Houlahan, emphasized the importance of standing up for laws and the Constitution.
The concerns raised in the video relate to the legality of orders following the U.S. military’s strikes on boats in Caribbean and eastern Pacific waters. While the Department of Justice has provided legal opinions on the matter, the statute of limitations in military jurisprudence can vary.
Trump reacted strongly on social media, labeling the Democrats’ actions as seditious and suggesting it could be punishable by death. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that all orders given to the military are considered lawful to maintain national security and prevent potential risks.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham expressed his disapproval of the video, highlighting the need for specificity regarding unlawful orders. The ongoing boat strikes have resulted in casualties, with concerns raised by relatives of victims and political figures regarding the justification and handling of the operations.
The Trump administration, led by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has justified the military actions as part of a conflict with drug gangs linked to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The administration’s deployment of military assets and the rhetoric around drug trafficking have raised international concerns and questions about the intervention’s legality.
While some Republicans have sought more information on the strikes, Senate Democrats have faced challenges in limiting Trump’s authority without congressional approval. The stance on repatriating survivors and concerns about the administration’s briefing transparency have further fueled debates on the legality and ethical implications of the boat strikes.
International reactions, including statements from the United Nations and France, have criticized the strikes for potentially violating international law. Canada initially refrained from condemning the attacks, emphasizing the U.S.’s authority in decision-making regarding the operations.
Trump’s rhetoric and actions towards political opponents have drawn scrutiny, with accusations of targeting individuals perceived as adversaries. The Democrats’ actions in the video have sparked a broader discussion on lawful orders, military interventions, and the legal and ethical considerations surrounding such operations.
