Veterans Condemn Trump’s Accusation of ‘Sedition’ Against Democrats

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Veterans and legal experts expressed outrage after President Donald Trump accused Democratic lawmakers of committing ‘sedition’ for urging military personnel to refuse illegal orders. The heated exchange follows a video posted by six Democratic representatives and senators, including Maggie Goodlander and Jason Crow, which reminded service members of their duty to disobey unlawful directives.

In the video, these lawmakers with military and national security experience stated that the administration was putting uniformed military and intelligence professionals against American citizens and emphasized that soldiers must refuse illegal orders. They did not specify which orders might be illegal but were likely referring to Trump’s controversial military actions.

Trump responded angrily on Truth Social, labeling the video as ‘seditious behavior, punishable by death.’ He called the lawmakers ‘traitors’ and suggested they should be arrested and put on trial. His remarks drew immediate backlash from military legal experts.

‘He uses sedition and treason very broadly and inappropriately,’ said David Frakt, a retired Air Force officer. ‘The irony is that if anyone committed sedition or treason, it was the people he urged to overthrow the government on January 6, 2021.’

Don Christensen, a retired Air Force colonel, also condemned Trump’s comments, describing them as ‘horribly wrong.’ He noted that Trump’s rhetoric places lawmakers’ safety at risk and calls into question the integrity of the military’s operational legality.

Experts worry that the president’s comments and the politicization of military orders could confuse junior service members. Rachel VanLandingham, a law professor and former Air Force officer, emphasized that service members face serious repercussions if they refuse lawful orders. ‘Orders are presumed to be lawful unless they are blatantly illegal,’ she said.

The controversy underscores a broader concern about military politicization, with experts urging military leaders to reaffirm their commitment to legality and political neutrality. ‘We don’t want the military’s integrity to be undermined by political influence,’ added Coretta Johnson Gray, a former Air Force attorney.

As the dialogue continues, the implications of this dispute could alter perceptions of military professionalism and the rule of law within the armed services.