President Donald Trump sparked intense backlash Thursday after labeling six Democratic lawmakers “traitors” and declaring their actions “seditious behavior, punishable by death” in response to a video urging military and intelligence personnel to refuse unlawful commands – BBC report.
Trump branded the lawmakers treasonous for releasing the clip, which features former service members calling on troops to uphold their oath to the Constitution. The White House insisted the president spoke out of anger and does not seek their execution, despite his sharp words.
The controversy erupted over a 90-second video posted Tuesday by Democrats with military or intelligence backgrounds. In it, they remind active-duty personnel that no one must follow orders violating law or the Constitution.
All six lawmakers — veterans themselves — previously served in the armed forces or intelligence agencies. Their message comes amid ongoing Democratic protests against Trump administration plans to deploy National Guard units for immigration enforcement in several states.
Trump reacted furiously on social media, calling the video an incitement to defy presidential authority. He demanded punishment fitting treason charges.
Democrats fired back swiftly, condemning Trump’s remarks as reckless, unconscionable and dangerous.
“President Trump has issued life-threatening rhetoric against patriotic members of the House and Senate,” top Democratic leaders said in a statement. “Accusing those who served our nation of treason — and suggesting they face death — for defending the rule of law endangers lives and contradicts American values.”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt pushed back during a briefing. She said the lawmakers, as sitting members of Congress, committed a punishable offense by encouraging defiance of lawful orders.
“If military discipline breaks down, chaos follows,” Leavitt told reporters. “They took an oath to the Constitution yet now stoke disruption. What they did qualifies as a serious crime.”
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Partisan clashes over National Guard deployments have flared repeatedly in recent months. Pitting Democrats against Republicans on immigration policy and federal authority.
