A group of Democratic lawmakers with military and intelligence backgrounds released a video statement urging members of the U.S. Armed Forces to refuse what they described as “illegal orders” from the Trump Administration.

The message was delivered by Senators Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and Mark Kelly of Arizona, as well as Representatives Jason Crow of Colorado, Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania, and Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire.

The lawmakers said they recorded the statement in response to concerns about the use of military personnel under the administration.

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“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,” they said in the video.

The message continued with an assertion that threats to constitutional norms were not limited to foreign adversaries.

“Right now, the threats to our Constitution aren’t just coming from abroad, but from right here at home. Our laws are clear,” the lawmakers added.

“You can refuse illegal orders… you must refuse illegal orders. No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our constitution.”

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The video drew immediate reaction from commentators, attorneys, and elected officials who argued that the message encouraged members of the military to defy the administration.

Veteran attorney Phil Holloway was among those who objected.

“Democrats in Congress are openly advocating mutiny by the U.S. Armed Forces,” Holloway said.

“They care nothing about the general welfare of the nation. It’s all about ‘get Trump’ with these imbeciles.”

Chaya Raichik of Libs of TikTok also responded on social media. “Nothing to see here… just Democrats openly calling for a military coup,” she wrote.

Nothing to see here… just Democrats openly calling for a military coup…

Seems kind of insurrectiony… https://t.co/XAUCiU7naC

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) November 18, 2025

White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller shared the video with his own statement.

“Democrat lawmakers are now openly calling for insurrection,” Miller posted on X.

Democrat lawmakers are now openly calling for insurrection. https://t.co/HwJB9nGFXA

— Stephen Miller (@StephenM) November 18, 2025

Slotkin, who appeared in the video, has previously argued that the administration’s deployment of military personnel to assist in immigration enforcement exceeds constitutional limits.

During prior remarks, she described the distinction she believes applies to military involvement at the southern border.

“I think we’ve had multiple administrations who have sent uniformed troops, active-duty troops, to the southern border in support roles, right? According to our Constitution, you can go in supporting roles, logistics, driving, setting up facilities, setting up, you know, border locations, whatever. It’s very different when you cross the line into law enforcement,” Slotkin said.

She added that members of the military do not train for law enforcement duties.

“Our military are not trained as law enforcement officers. They’ll be the first one to tell you that. That’s not why they got into service. And it’s also in violation of our Constitution. So, I think it’s very important that we keep that line,” Slotkin said.

The release of the video introduced a sharp disagreement between Democratic lawmakers and officials who argued that the message could be interpreted as encouraging resistance inside the military.

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