Democrats accuse Trump of weaponizing FBI over military video
Six Democratic lawmakers are facing FBI inquiries after appearing in a video urging military personnel to refuse illegal orders, with the legislators accusing President Trump of political intimidation. The administration has labeled their message "seditious" while the Pentagon reviews misconduct allegations.
Six Democratic lawmakers are under FBI scrutiny after participating in a video that encouraged military personnel and intelligence officials to refuse unlawful orders, sparking accusations that the Trump administration is weaponizing federal law enforcement for political purposes. The legislators, all with military or intelligence backgrounds, have publicly denounced the investigations as intimidation tactics.
Lawmakers Defend Their Message
The group includes Senators Mark Kelly and Elissa Slotkin along with Representatives Chrissy Houlahan, Chris Deluzio, Jason Crow, and Maggie Goodlander. In their video, Kelly stated that "Our laws are clear: you can refuse illegal orders," a message the Trump administration has characterized as "seditious" behavior that undermines presidential authority. The lawmakers maintain they were simply affirming established military law and service members' rights.
Accusations of Political Weaponization
In a joint statement on social media platform X, Representative Jason Crow declared that President Trump "is using the FBI as a tool to intimidate and harass members of Congress." The lawmakers confirmed that the bureau contacted congressional sergeants-at-arms to schedule interviews, vowing that "No amount of intimidation or harassment will ever stop us from doing our jobs. We will not be bullied."
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Pentagon Review and 'Traitor' Allegations
Senator Slotkin revealed that the FBI's Counterterrorism Division "appeared to open an inquiry" into her because of a video "President Trump did not like," arguing the president "believes in weaponizing the federal government" against critics. The Pentagon separately announced it was reviewing "serious allegations of misconduct" against Kelly, while Trump publicly accused the entire group of being "traitors" last week, escalating the political confrontation.
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