5 congressional Democrats say they’ve obtained inquiries from the Justice Division after they appeared in a video message urging members of the army to not comply with “unlawful orders” — a transfer the lawmakers allege is political intimidation.
Democratic Reps. Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania and Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire introduced Wednesday that they’d obtained inquiries from the Justice Division in regards to the video. Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin and Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado additionally mentioned the highest federal prosecutor in D.C., Jeanine Pirro, reached out to interview them.
And final week, the Pentagon took steps to demote Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona’s rank within the Navy and minimize his army pension due to his look within the video. Kelly this week sued Protection Secretary Pete Hegseth in an try to dam his demotion, arguing the transfer is unconstitutional.
The inquiries have stepped up the Trump administration’s scrutiny for the reason that lawmakers first posted the 90-second, direct-to-camera video in November, which informed army service members that they “should refuse unlawful orders.” Final yr, President Trump accused the six Democrats of “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!”
The lawmakers have pushed again towards the administration and argued the Justice Division’s inquiries are politically motivated.
Deluzio mentioned in a press release that “it is apparent that this Administration is engaged in a harassment marketing campaign towards their political rivals,” and vowed that he “will not be intimidated.” Houlihan argued they have been focused “not as a result of we mentioned one thing unfaithful, however as a result of we mentioned one thing President Trump and Secretary Hegseth did not need anybody to listen to.”
This can be a growing story; will probably be up to date.
