Democratic lawmakers with military and intelligence experience, including Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, Sen. Elissa Slotkin, Sen. Mark Kelly, Rep. Jason Crow, Rep. Chris Deluzio, and Rep. Maggie Goodlander, issued a call for service members to refuse orders that violate the Constitution in a viral video. The lawmakers argued that the Constitution allows for the rejection of illegal commands, emphasizing that service members have an obligation to uphold the rule of law and protect democratic values. The message has sparked controversy, with critics accusing the lawmakers of promoting political bias and undermining military discipline.
Despite their emphasis on constitutional principles, the lawmakers did not provide specific examples of what constitutes illegal orders. Rep. Jason Crow, one of the lawmakers in the video, cited the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) as a key reference, stating that service members are obligated to prioritize their duty to the Constitution over any illegal commands. However, the video has been widely misinterpreted, with some Republicans framing it as evidence of Democratic paranoia towards former President Donald Trump. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth referred to the lawmakers’ message as an example of ‘Stage 4 TDS,’ a moniker for the Democrats’ supposed fixation on Trump.
Sen. Eric Schmitt, a Republican, accused the Democrats of using the military as a political tool, suggesting that the lawmakers were motivated by frustration over the outcome of the 2020 election rather than a genuine concern for military integrity. In contrast, Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., the ranking member on the Senate Armed Services Committee, acknowledged the importance of the exhortation in principle but warned about the practical difficulties in determining what constitutes a lawful order. Houlahan, however, maintained that the UCMJ provides clear guidelines for service members to follow.
The video has drawn mixed reactions from the public, with some supporting the lawmakers’ stance and others condemning the apparent encroachment on military authority. The Department of War has not yet officially responded to the lawmakers’ call, leaving the issue unresolved. Lawmakers and experts continue to debate the balance between upholding constitutional rights and maintaining the discipline and authority of the armed forces.