Democrats who told troops to disobey illegal orders push back on alleged FBI probe

November 26, 2025

Six Democratic lawmakers with military or intelligence backgrounds released a video encouraging US troops to disobey orders they consider illegal, prompting President Trump to call their actions "seditious" and triggering an FBI investigation. The lawmakers—including Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona—are facing scrutiny from the FBI's counterterrorism unit, while the Pentagon announced it would review whether Kelly violated military law and should face court-martial proceedings. The Democrats have responded by characterizing the federal inquiry as intimidation and harassment, arguing they are fulfilling their constitutional duty to uphold the law.

Who is affected

Six Democratic lawmakers: Senator Elissa Slotkin (Michigan), Senator Mark Kelly (Arizona), and US Representatives Chris Deluzio, Maggie Goodlander, Chrissy Houlahan, and Jason Crow
US military troops and intelligence community professionals who were addressed in the video
The FBI's counterterrorism unit conducting the investigation
The Department of Justice overseeing the inquiry
The Pentagon and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reviewing Kelly's conduct
The sergeant at arms in both chambers of Congress
Former CIA officers, including Slotkin, who were reminded of their oaths

What action is being taken

The FBI is conducting an investigation and has requested interviews with the six Democratic lawmakers
The FBI's counterterrorism unit has sent notification to the lawmakers about the inquiry
The Pentagon is reviewing allegations of misconduct against Senator Kelly to determine whether he should be recalled to active duty for court-martial proceedings
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has sent a memo to the secretary of the US Navy referring Kelly's matter for review
The lawmakers are giving interviews and posting on social media defending their actions

Why it matters

This situation represents a significant confrontation between Congress members exercising what they view as constitutional oversight and an administration that perceives their actions as undermining military authority. The case raises fundamental questions about the limits of free speech for elected officials with military backgrounds, the scope of the Uniform Code of Military Justice over retired service members, and the appropriate boundaries between executive power and legislative independence. The use of the FBI's counterterrorism unit to investigate sitting lawmakers for political speech has drawn concerns about potential weaponization of federal law enforcement agencies against political opponents, which could have chilling effects on congressional oversight and criticism of presidential actions.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article beyond the ongoing FBI interviews and Pentagon review already underway.

Read full article from source: BBC