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Grand Jury Clears Lawmakers in Controversial Order Case

2/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A federal grand jury declined to indict six Democratic lawmakers, including Senators Elissa Slotkin and Mark Kelly, for urging personnel to refuse illegal orders in a November video.
The Justice Department's investigation faced criticism as politicized by the Trump administration.
Slotkin said the grand jury's decision upheld the rule of law.
Kelly warned of attempts to silence dissent.
Slotkin and others would not comply with further inquiries.

History

Historical Context

The Watergate scandal, which began with a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters on June 17, 1972, led to the indictment of 69 individuals, including key Nixon administration officials. By August 1974, President Nixon resigned, becoming the first U.S. president to do so amid a constitutional crisis. This historical event continues to influence contemporary discussions on political accountability and transparency.

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Story summary

A federal grand jury declined to indict six Democratic lawmakers, including Senators Elissa Slotkin and Mark Kelly, for urging personnel to refuse illegal orders in a November video.
The Justice Department's investigation faced criticism as politicized by the Trump administration.
Slotkin said the grand jury's decision upheld the rule of law.
Kelly warned of attempts to silence dissent.
Slotkin and others would not comply with further inquiries.

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