Six Democratic lawmakers who told US troops to disobey what they considered “illegal orders” are being investigated by the FBI, according to a report from Reuters. The lawmakers, including Senator Elissa Slotkin and Representative Chris Deluzio, appeared in a video that criticized President Trump’s actions and called on troops to defy government orders if they were deemed unjust.
The investigation is ongoing, with the FBI requesting interviews with the six lawmakers and others involved in the controversy. Trump had earlier accused the Democrats of “seditious behavior” and called for their arrest.
The Department of Justice declined to comment on the alleged investigation, but a Justice Department official reportedly told Reuters that the FBI is seeking to determine if there was any wrongdoing by the lawmakers or if they violated federal law.
One of the lawmakers, Senator Mark Kelly, has been accused of breaching military law and may face court-martial proceedings. The Pentagon had previously accused him of violating the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), but he maintains that his actions were justified under the Constitution.
The controversy is part of a larger debate over the role of government in enforcing laws and regulations, with some lawmakers arguing that they have the authority to override unjust orders. Others argue that the president and his administration have been using intimidation tactics to silence critics.
The investigation has sparked a heated debate among lawmakers and experts, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability from the executive branch. As one of the lawmakers said, “We will not be bullied. We will never give up the ship.”
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cze832dr2n0o