Democratic Lawmakers Urge Military to Refuse Illegal Orders Amid Controversial Strikes

U.S. Representative Gregory Meeks (D-NY) introduced a measure on November 14, 2025, aimed at restricting President Donald Trump's authority to order military strikes against alleged Venezuelan drug traffickers in the Caribbean without congressional approval. These operations have reportedly resulted in the deaths of over 80 individuals, labeled as “narco-terrorists” by the administration. Critics, including Meeks and Republican Representative Don Bacon (R-NE), argue that there is insufficient evidence to justify these strikes as an imminent threat to the United States.

U.S. Senators Tell Uniformed Military Officers: “You Must Refuse Illegal Orders”

In a video titled "Don’t Give Up the Ship," six Democratic lawmakers with military and intelligence backgrounds, including Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ), urged active military members to refuse any illegal orders. They emphasized the importance of upholding their oath to protect the Constitution, stating, “You can refuse illegal orders…you must refuse illegal orders.” The lawmakers expressed concern that the current administration is undermining trust in the military by pitting service members against American citizens.

Just the News

The lawmakers highlighted the legal framework that allows military personnel to decline unlawful orders, asserting that “no one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our Constitution.” Slotkin responded to criticism from Trump’s Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, who accused the lawmakers of inciting insurrection, by reiterating the importance of the military's constitutional obligations.

U.S. Senators Tell Uniformed Military Officers: “You Must Refuse Illegal Orders”

The video has drawn significant backlash from conservatives, with critics labeling the lawmakers' statements as a dangerous precedent that could challenge the military's chain of command. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) questioned the existence of any unlawful orders issued by Trump, demanding clarification from the Democratic lawmakers on what specific orders they deemed illegal. Additionally, some commentators suggested that the call for insubordination could lead to chaos within military ranks.

Newsweek

While the Democratic lawmakers assert that the military strikes are illegal, the Trump administration maintains that these actions are justified under current laws. The Department of Justice has indicated that servicemembers cannot be held liable for the strikes, yet Senate Judiciary Democrats have raised concerns about the potential legal ramifications for those involved in the operations.

The Hill

The debate surrounding the legality of Trump's military actions and the lawmakers' call for refusal of illegal orders is likely to continue, with Graham planning to formally request explanations from the Democratic lawmakers. The ongoing discussions may influence future military policy and congressional oversight regarding military operations.

Newsweek