Federal agents are now investigating six senior Democratic lawmakers who appeared in a video telling U.S. service members that they have the right to refuse what they deemed “illegal orders.” The video, which generated sharp criticism from the Pentagon and former President Donald Trump, is at the center of the inquiry.
The lawmakers under scrutiny include two senators and four members of the House of Representatives—all of whom have military or intelligence backgrounds. They maintain their message was meant to highlight constitutional duty and protect troops, not to undermine command structure.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is coordinating with the Capitol Police and congressional sergeants-at-arms to determine whether the lawmakers’ statements violated federal law regarding undermining military discipline or incitement of misconduct among service members. The investigation marks a rare federal review of elected officials’ public remarks about military obedience.