President Donald Trump has escalated his attacks on Democratic military veterans who reminded active-duty servicemembers that the Uniform Code of Military Justice requires them to refuse unlawful orders.
On his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote: “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!”
This marks a dramatic escalation from an earlier post in which he called for imprisoning the lawmakers. “This is really bad, and Dangerous to our Country. Their words cannot be allowed to stand. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP??? President DJT,” he wrote.
The lawmakers did not advocate for any illegal activity. Their video simply reminded servicemembers: “No one has to carry out orders that violate the law, or our Constitution. Know that we have your back … don’t give up the ship.”
Trump’s remarks come amid his deployment of National Guard troops to cities across the country, citing the need to maintain order in areas known for protests against his immigration policies.
But his post represents a sharp intensification of violent rhetoric aimed at elected officials who are also veterans, sending a chilling message to those willing to speak out about the legal obligations of active-duty military personnel.
Earlier in the week, Fox News host Martha MacCallum attempted to confront Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO), a retired Army ranger who completed three tours of duty, about his role in the video — an exchange that “did not end well for her.”
Watch the video below from Fox News:
