Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche Condemns Democrats’ ‘Abhorrent’ Video Urging Troops to Defy Orders
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche has called a recent video released by Democratic lawmakers a ‘abhorrent’ act, accusing them of trying to incite military personnel to defy orders. Blanche made these statements during an appearance on ‘Hannity,’ where he criticized the video as a form of propaganda akin to that which is used by enemies to recruit the military to become spies. He emphasized that the lawmakers’ actions threaten to undermine the chain of command and the rule of law.
The video, titled ‘Don’t Give Up the Ship,’ features six Democratic lawmakers with backgrounds in the military and intelligence sectors. These lawmakers include Senators Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, Mark Kelly of Arizona, and Representatives Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania, Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire, Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, and Jason Crow of Colorado. The video highlights the idea that the Constitution is under threat domestically, rather than from external sources, and urges members of the military and intelligence community to refuse illegal orders.
Blanche pointed out that the lawmakers’ statements about the administration and President Trump imply a deeper motive, suggesting they are encouraging military personnel to defy direct commands. He claimed the video is an attempt to undermine the authority of the administration and that those involved should be held accountable. Blanche stated, ‘I think that those congressmen should be required to answer questions and to answer questions about why they did what they did. And the American people deserve that. And so does President Trump.’
Other right-leaning voices, including Rep. Eric Schmitt, War Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Rep. Eli Crane, have also condemned the video. Crane, a former U.S. Navy SEAL, criticized the video as ‘extremely foolish and cowardly,’ arguing that the Democrats have not provided specific examples of illegal orders issued by the Trump administration. In contrast, the lawmakers argue that the video emphasizes constitutional duties and the importance of the rule of law, with Houlahan stating, ‘There is nothing more patriotic… than reminding our military of their constitutional obligations and reassuring them that, if they are ever given an unlawful order, they do not have to carry it out.’ They further insist that ‘Don’t Give Up the Ship’ is not a slogan of rebellion but a ‘historic naval motto’ that stands for duty and loyalty to the country.
Slotkin’s office provided a specific example of what they consider to be illegal orders by referencing a statement from President Trump in which he asked former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper if it was legal to shoot protesters in the legs. Despite this, the lawmakers, including Slotkin, Kelly, Deluzio, Goodlander, Houlahan, and Crow, have not yet responded to Fox News Digital’s requests for comment on the matter. The video has sparked significant debate, with critics and supporters arguing about its implications for military discipline and the rule of law.