Former President Donald Trump has escalated his rhetoric, warning that certain Democratic lawmakers could face sedition charges—and even execution—for urging members of the U.S. military and intelligence community to refuse what they deemed unlawful commands. The posts mark one of the most aggressive uses of threat-language by Trump to date, renewed amidst heated partisan battles over politics, the military and the rule of law.
Calls to military cited as ‘sedition’
Trump responded to a video released by four Democratic lawmakers who are veterans of the military or intelligence services. In the footage they encouraged service personnel to reject any order that violates the U.S. Constitution or federal law. Trump took aim at them in two consecutive posts on his social platform, writing: “This is really bad, and Dangerous to our Country. Their words cannot be allowed to stand. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???” and shortly afterwards: “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!”
The lawmakers in the video—including veterans‐turned-congressmembers—argued that military personnel have a duty to defy clearly unlawful commands under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The law states that while service members are generally required to obey superior officers, they must not follow orders that are “contrary to the Constitution, the laws of the United States or lawful superior orders.”
Republicans interpret as insurrection; Democrats defend legality
Some Republicans quickly characterized the Democrats’ video as an open invitation for insurrection or rebellion, with Trump’s allies accusing the lawmakers of urging armed forces to turn against elected leadership. Meanwhile, the targeted Democrats countered this narrative by stating they were simply affirming well‐established military law and constitutional duty.
They emphasized that they were not calling for civil disobedience, but rather urging vigilance in upholding the oath taken by U.S. service members—a pledge to defend the Constitution, not to follow unlawful commands.
History of threats and broader implications
This is not the first time Trump has threatened his political adversaries with criminal action or harsh punishment. During his 2016 campaign he rallied supporters with chants of “Lock her up!” aimed at his opponent, and in subsequent years both real and rhetorical threats to imprison critics and Democrats have been a recurring theme.
Legal experts and critics warn that rhetoric elevating “sedition” or “enemy from within” narratives could pose serious risks to democratic norms, civil-military relations and the independence of the armed forces. The use of such language by a former or current commander-in-chief blurs long‐standing boundaries about how political leaders address the military and dissent inside government.
