Vance calls Democratic lawmakers' military advice illegal

US Vice President JD Vance has asserted that six Democratic lawmakers acted illegally by encouraging military personnel to refuse unlawful commands from their superiors. The statement came in response to a video released by legislators with military or intelligence backgrounds reminding service members of their legal obligations and rights under US military law.

Lawmakers' Message to Military Personnel

The group of Democratic senators and representatives, including Mark Kelly, Elissa Slotkin, Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Maggie Goodlander, and Chrissy Houlahan, addressed service members directly in their video message. The legislators, all of whom previously served in military or intelligence roles, emphasized that "Americans trust their military, but that trust is at risk," while affirming that military personnel "can refuse illegal orders" according to established laws.

Trump's Strong Reaction and Broader Context

President Donald Trump responded forcefully on his Truth Social platform, describing the lawmakers as "traitors" and suggesting their actions constituted "sedition" that was "punishable by death." He later added that the legislators "SHOULD BE IN JAIL RIGHT NOW." The exchange occurs amid ongoing tensions over Trump's deployment of National Guard units to several Democratic-led cities, including Washington DC, Los Angeles, Chicago, Portland, and Memphis, which he characterized as addressing a "public safety emergency."

Legal and Political Implications

The controversy highlights ongoing debates about civilian control of the military and the boundaries of political speech regarding military conduct. While Senator Slotkin subsequently stated she was "not aware" of any instance where President Trump had actually authorized unlawful military action, the discussion reflects deepening political divisions over military deployment within US cities and the proper relationship between elected officials and armed forces personnel.