Trump’s Death Threat Rhetoric Sends Nation into Crisis

November 25, 2025

President Donald Trump sparked widespread condemnation after posting on social media that six Democratic lawmakers' conduct constituted sedition "punishable by DEATH," while reposting messages calling to "hang them" and demanding their arrest. The targeted lawmakers—all military veterans or former intelligence officers—had released a video reminding service members they can refuse unlawful orders, which Trump characterized as treasonous and dangerous. Democratic leadership and some Republican members of Congress, including Senator Susan Collins, denounced the president's rhetoric as inciting political violence and threatening democracy.

Who is affected

Six Democratic lawmakers: Senators Elissa Slotkin and Mark Kelly, and Representatives Jason Crow, Chrissy Houlahan, Maggie Goodlander, and Chris Deluzio
Members of the U.S. military (who were the audience of the lawmakers' video)
Congressional members across both parties
House Democratic leadership: Hakeem Jeffries, Katherine Clark, and Pete Aguilar
Representative Norma Torres
Senator Angus King
Senator Susan Collins
Representative Al Green

What action is being taken

The six Democratic lawmakers released a video urging military members to refuse unlawful orders
President Trump is posting on social media accusing the lawmakers of sedition and sharing calls for their execution
House Democratic leadership is calling on Trump to delete the posts and recant his rhetoric
Representative Al Green is renewing his call for impeachment proceedings against Trump
Members of Congress are publicly denouncing Trump's language

Why it matters

This situation represents a direct threat from the sitting President against members of Congress for exercising their constitutional rights and fulfilling their duties. The rhetoric escalates political violence concerns, particularly given the context of January 6th Capitol attacks and Trump's pardoning of those convicted in that incident. It undermines democratic norms by attempting to intimidate elected officials and distorts legal principles regarding military members' obligations to refuse unlawful orders, potentially threatening constitutional order and the separation of powers.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint