Full Breakdown
Investigations of Democratic Lawmakers Over Military Orders Video
1/15/2026, 9:05:47 PM
Overview of the Investigations
Three Democratic lawmakers—Representatives Jason Crow of Colorado, Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire, and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania—are under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice for their participation in a video urging military service members to resist illegal orders. This inquiry, led by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, follows similar investigations into Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, who organized the video. The video, released in November 2025, emphasizes the legal obligation of military personnel to disobey unlawful commands, a principle rooted in the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
Context of the Video
The video, titled "Don’t Give Up the Ship," featured six lawmakers, all with military or intelligence backgrounds, reminding service members of their duty to uphold the Constitution. The lawmakers did not specify any particular orders but aimed to highlight the importance of legal compliance in military operations. President Donald Trump and his administration have labeled the video as "seditious," with Trump suggesting that the actions of the lawmakers could be "punishable by death," although he later retracted this statement.
Responses from Lawmakers
Crow has publicly accused Trump of using the Justice Department to intimidate and silence political opponents. He stated, “Donald Trump called for my arrest, prosecution, and execution—all because I said something he didn’t like.” Goodlander characterized the investigation as alarming, asserting that it reflects a dangerous precedent of using federal power against dissenters. Houlahan expressed concerns that the investigation aims to stifle political speech, stating, “The six of us are being targeted not because we said something untrue, but because we said something President Trump didn’t want anyone to hear.”
Slotkin has also voiced her concerns, describing the investigation as part of a broader pattern of intimidation by the Trump administration. She noted that the threats against her have escalated, including bomb threats and swatting incidents involving her family. Slotkin emphasized, “Right now, speaking out against the abuse of power is the most patriotic thing we can do.”
Criticism of the Investigations
Critics, including government watchdog groups, have condemned the investigations as an abuse of prosecutorial power and a violation of constitutional rights. David Janovsky, acting director of the Constitution Project, described the actions as a hallmark of authoritarianism, stating, “A sitting president attempting to prosecute his political opponents just for saying something he disagrees with is an assault on constitutional principles.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the investigations have drawn significant media attention, the specific legal grounds for the inquiries remain unclear. The U.S. Attorney's Office has declined to confirm or deny the existence of an investigation, and it is uncertain what charges, if any, the lawmakers might face. Additionally, the Pentagon has initiated proceedings against Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, who also appeared in the video, potentially leading to a reduction in his military pension.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Donald Trump called for my arrest, prosecution, and execution—all because I said something he didn’t like.” — Jason Crow, U.S. Representative
- “It is sad, telling and downright dangerous that simply stating a bedrock principle of American law caused the president, our commander in chief, to threaten violence against me, and to weaponize the Department of Justice.” — Maggie Goodlander, U.S. Representative
- “This is the president’s playbook. Truth doesn’t matter. Facts don’t matter. And anyone who disagrees with him becomes an enemy,” — Elissa Slotkin, U.S. Senator
The investigations into these lawmakers represent a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and its critics, raising questions about the implications for political discourse and the use of federal power against elected officials.
