Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, a Democrat from southeastern Pennsylvania, and five other lawmakers released a video urging military service members to refuse orders from a president that they deemed ‘illegal.’ The clip, which went viral, drew sharp condemnation from President Donald Trump, who called the lawmakers ‘traitors’ and War Secretary Pete Hegseth, who asked Navy Secretary John Phelan to formally review one senator’s comments in the video.
In response to the video, Houlahan shared a compilation of voicemails from veterans and citizens across the United States, with many expressing gratitude and solidarity with the lawmakers. Callers included veterans from as far as Fairbanks, Alaska, and others from various locations in Pennsylvania, Maryland, California, and beyond. Many identified themselves by their military records, highlighting their service in multiple conflicts and their commitment to the country.
Despite the outpouring of support, the White House denied any examples of unlawful orders from the president or the Pentagon. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson stated that the lawmakers were being ‘intimidated’ by the FBI, which had reached out to House and Senate sergeants-at-arms for interviews with the lawmakers in the video. Houlahan criticized the FBI’s involvement, claiming it was a tool for intimidation, and vowed to continue advocating for military members.
Several lawmakers in the video, including Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., have faced scrutiny from the Pentagon, with Kelly potentially facing disciplinary action due to his ‘retired’ status. Hegseth and other administration officials have condemned the video, warning that disobedience of lawful orders could lead to consequences under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The situation has also led to bomb threats targeting several lawmakers’ offices, raising concerns about political tensions and potential safety risks.
The video has become a focal point in the ongoing debate over military authority and civilian oversight, drawing attention from both sides of the political spectrum. While some argue that the lawmakers are standing up for the rights of service members, others view their actions as an unconstitutional challenge to presidential authority. The incident underscores the complex relationship between the executive branch, the military, and Congress, particularly in times of political polarization.