The FBI is now investigating six Democrat lawmakers after President Trump accused them of seditious behavior for encouraging military members to disobey orders, marking a dramatic escalation in accountability for those who undermine military discipline.
Story Highlights
- FBI seeks interviews with Sen. Mark Kelly and five House Democrats over video encouraging military disobedience.
- Trump called their actions “seditious behavior” and labeled the lawmakers “traitors.”
- Pentagon investigating Kelly for potential court-martial under the military justice code.
- Defense Secretary Hegseth criticizes Kelly’s display of the uniform, calling the video intentional sedition.
Democrats Face Federal Investigation for Military Video
The FBI contacted House and Senate Sergeants at Arms, requesting interviews with six Democrat lawmakers who appeared in a controversial video.
Sen. Mark Kelly, Sen. Elissa Slotkin, and House Representatives Jason Crow, Maggie Goodlander, Chris Deluzio, and Chrissy Houlahan participated in the November 18 video encouraging military personnel to refuse to follow what they deemed “illegal orders.”
The investigation represents unprecedented federal scrutiny of sitting members of Congress for potential seditious activities.
FBI plans to interview Sen. Mark Kelly, other Democrats Trump accused of seditious behavior: reports https://t.co/hmC8PmEJJT
— CNBC (@CNBC) November 25, 2025
Trump Administration Responds to Military Interference
President Trump condemned the lawmakers’ video as “seditious behavior,” calling participants “traitors” and noting such actions were historically “punishable by death.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized Kelly specifically, pointing out errors in his medal display and calling the video an intentional attack on military “good order and discipline.”
The administration’s swift response demonstrates a commitment to protecting the military chain of command from political interference that could compromise national security.
Pentagon Launches Separate Military Investigation
The Pentagon announced Monday it was investigating “serious allegations of misconduct” against Kelly, a retired Navy captain, for potential violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
Military officials confirmed Kelly could be recalled to active duty and face court-martial proceedings.
The UCMJ requires service members to obey “any lawful general order or regulation,” making Kelly’s encouragement of disobedience a serious breach of military law that extends beyond his congressional service.
Lawmakers Claim Political Intimidation
The four House Democrats issued a joint statement claiming Trump was “using the FBI as a tool to intimidate and harass members of Congress.” They insisted their oath to “support and defend the Constitution” justified their actions, declaring they “will not be bullied.”
However, their video directly undermined military discipline by encouraging service members to question lawful orders based on political disagreements, creating a dangerous precedent for military insubordination during critical national security operations.
Constitutional Authority Versus Military Discipline
Kelly defended his actions by claiming “our laws are clear: you can refuse illegal orders,” but this misrepresents military command structure and legal obligations. The video’s message to military and intelligence personnel to “stand up for our laws and Constitution” creates confusion about legitimate authority during Trump’s presidency.
This interference with military operations represents exactly the type of deep state resistance that frustrated conservatives throughout the Biden years, now being challenged through proper legal channels.
