Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche has sharply criticized a video released by Democratic lawmakers, labeling it ‘abhorrent’ and accusing them of encouraging service members to defy direct orders. The video, titled ‘Don’t Give Up the Ship,’ features six Democratic lawmakers with military and intelligence backgrounds, urging troops and intelligence officials to refuse orders they deem unlawful. Blanche condemned the video during an appearance on ‘Hannity,’ calling it propaganda akin to enemy recruitment efforts. The lawmakers, including Senators Elissa Slotkin and Mark Kelly, and Representatives Chris Deluzio, Maggie Goodlander, Chrissy Houlahan, and Jason Crow, argue that the threats to the Constitution come from within the United States. Some critics, including former Navy SEAL Rep. Eli Crane and War Secretary Pete Hegseth, have condemned the video as ‘extremely foolish and cowardly,’ accusing Democrats of failing to provide specific examples of unlawful orders from the Trump administration. The video references legislation aimed at limiting President Trump’s ability to deploy the National Guard domestically or launch military actions against narco-terrorists without congressional approval. The White House and the lawmakers involved have not yet responded to requests for comment.
Blanche insisted that the administration’s actions have not been ‘illegal’ and called for those involved to be ‘held to account,’ emphasizing that the American people and President Trump deserve clarity on the lawmakers’ motivations. Multiple right-leaning voices, including Rep. Eric Schmitt, War Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Rep. Eli Crane, have criticized the video, arguing it could undermine military discipline and national security. Crane accused Democrats of being unable to provide concrete examples of unlawful orders issued by the Trump administration. In response, Rep. Chrissy Houlahan clarified that the video’s message is not about rebellion but about upholding constitutional obligations, likening the slogan to a historic naval motto that represents steadfastness and loyalty to the country. Crow, meanwhile, argued that the Trump administration is placing service members in a difficult position by sending active-duty troops to police U.S. cities, and the video is a reminder of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which allows service members to refuse illegal orders. The lawmakers’ office cited specific examples, such as former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper’s alleged question about shooting protesters in the legs, to support their claims of unlawful orders. Despite the criticism, the lawmakers and the White House have yet to respond to further inquiries, leaving the issue in the hands of public discourse and political tension.