‘Seditious behaviour, punishable by death!’: Trump attacks Democrats telling US troops to refuse illegal orders

President Donald Trump on Thursday called six Democratic lawmakers as “traitors” and called for them to face execution after they released a video telling members of the US military they have a duty to refuse illegal orders.Trump reposted an article about the video on Truth Social, adding: “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!” Earlier, he wrote: “This is really bad, and Dangerous to our Country. Their words cannot be allowed to stand. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???”The video was released on Tuesday and featured Senators Elissa Slotkin and Mark Kelly, both former military personnel, and Representatives Jason Crow, Maggie Goodlander, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan. They warned service members and intelligence officials that the Trump administration was putting institutions at risk and undermining the Constitution. “We know you are under enormous stress and pressure right now,” said Kelly. “Our laws are clear: You can refuse illegal orders.” Slotkin concluded: “We need you to stand up for our laws, our Constitution. Don’t give up the ship.”Following Trump’s posts, Slotkin wrote on X that she and her colleagues would continue to defend the Constitution. “No threat, intimidation, or call for violence will deter us from that sacred obligation,” she said.Top Democrats condemned Trump’s remarks as a direct threat and a potential incitement to violence, reports news agency Reuters. Senator Chris Coons said: “Calling for the execution of senators and members of Congress for reminding our troops of that is chilling behavior we should expect from authoritarians … not the president of the United States. Every one of my Republican colleagues needs to stand up and swiftly condemn this.” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer added: “When Donald Trump uses the language of execution and treason, some of his supporters may very well listen. He is lighting a match soaked with gasoline.”Under US law, civilians cannot be charged with sedition, though “seditious conspiracy” carries a maximum penalty of 20 years. For military personnel, the Uniform Code of Military Justice includes sedition charges that can carry the death penalty.