Why is Trump calling for Democratic lawmakers to be put to death? The U.S. president’s social media posts
In a remarkable social-media tirade, President Donald Trump has taken aim at six Democratic lawmakers over a video they released this week.
President Donald Trump has accused six Democratic congressmen and women of actions “punishable by death”, after the lawmakers this week released a video urging members of the U.S. military and intelligence services not to carry out “illegal orders”.
“SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!”
In a remarkable tirade on his Truth Social platform on Thursday, the U.S. president wrote: “It’s called SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL. Each one of these traitors to our Country should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL. Their words cannot be allowed to stand - We won’t have a Country anymore!!! An example MUST BE SET.”
In another post, Trump added: “This is really bad, and Dangerous to our Country. Their words cannot be allowed to stand. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???” The 79-year-old also wrote: “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!”
Trump also reposted messages from other Truth Social users, including one that read: “HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD”.
“Our laws are clear: You can refuse illegal orders”
The president’s Truth Social posts came after Sen. Elissa Slotkin, Sen. Mark Kelly, Rep. Jason Crow, Rep. Maggie Goodlander, Rep. Chris Deluzio and Rep. Chrissy Houlahan told service members: “No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our constitution.”
The six lawmakers, who are all military or intelligence veterans, did not go into detail on exactly what illegal orders have been given, or could be given.
However, as CNN’s Natasha Bertrand and Zachary Cohen note, the release of their video comes as the Trump administration faces court challenges over its deployment of military troops in U.S. cities during Trump’s second term in office. There are also been question marks over the legality of recent U.S. military strikes the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean against alleged drug traffickers.
This was the six Democratic lawmakers’ message in full:
“We want to speak directly to members of the military and the intelligence community who take risks each day to keep Americans safe.
“We know you are under enormous stress and pressure right now. Americans trust their military, but that trust is at risk. This administration is pitting our uniformed military and intelligence community professionals against American citizens.
“Like us, you all swore an oath to protect and defend this constitution. Right now, the threats to our constitution aren’t just coming from abroad, but from right here at home.
"Our laws are clear: You can refuse illegal orders. You can refuse illegal orders. You must refuse illegal orders. No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our constitution. We know this is hard and that it’s a difficult time to be a public servant.
“But whether you’re serving in the CIA, the Army, our Navy, the Air Force, your vigilance is critical. And know that we have your back.
“Because now, more than ever, the American people need you. We need you to stand up for our laws, our constitution, and who we are as Americans. Don’t give up. Don’t give up the ship.”
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