The FBI is in search of to query the six Democratic lawmakers who appeared in a video urging U.S. troops to defy orders which are unlawful or unconstitutional, signaling a doable investigation into the matter.
“Last night the counterterrorism division at the FBI sent a note to the members of Congress, saying they are opening what appears to be an inquiry against the six of us,” Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin stated Tuesday, criticizing President Trump for “attempting to use the FBI to scare us.”
Final week, the previous CIA analyst who served three excursions in Iraq joined 5 fellow Democrats in a video message shared on social media that known as on members of the navy and intelligence group to “stand up for our laws” and refuse to hold out orders that violate the legislation or the Structure.
The message infuriated Trump, who lashed out on the group, calling them “traitors” who’re responsible of “seditious behavior,” which he stated is “punishable by death.”
The 90-second video, titled “Don’t Give Up the Ship,” additionally featured Reps. Jason Crow of Colorado; Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire; Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, each of Pennsylvania; and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, who advised service members that “our laws are clear: You can refuse illegal orders.”
We need to communicate on to members of the Navy and the Intelligence Neighborhood.
The American individuals want you to face up for our legal guidelines and our Structure.
Don’t quit the ship. pic.twitter.com/N8lW0EpQ7r
On Monday, the Pentagon introduced on social media that it was investigating Kelly over “serious allegations of misconduct” and doable breaches of navy legislation.
Kelly, a former U.S. Navy officer and astronaut, stated he solely discovered of the investigation after studying Protection Secretary Pete Hegseth’s message on X.
“I also saw the president’s posts saying I should be arrested, hanged, and put to death,” he stated in an announcement, including that if Hegseth’s announcement was “meant to intimidate” the six lawmakers, it might not work.
On Tuesday, Slotkin questioned the Trump administration’s explosive response to the incident.
“Whether you agree with the video or don’t agree with the video, the question to me Is: is this the appropriate response for a president of the United States to go after and seek to weaponize the federal government against those he disagrees with?” she stated.
Final evening, the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division appeared to open an inquiry into me in response to a video President Trump didn’t like.
The President directing the FBI to focus on us is precisely why we made this video within the first place. He believes in weaponizing the federal…
In a message shared on X, Slotkin stated that Trump’s “intimidation tactics” are precisely why they felt compelled to talk out.
“He believes in weaponizing the federal government against his perceived enemies and does not believe laws apply to him or his Cabinet,” she wrote. “This is not the America I know, and I’m not going to let this next step from the FBI stop me from speaking up for my country and our Constitution.”
FBI Director Kash Patel speaks with reporters throughout a information convention on the Division of Justice, Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, in Washington. (AP Picture/Mark Schiefelbein)
FBI Director Kash Patel declined to touch upon the video and appeared to distance himself from any suggestion that the bureau was appearing politically.
“What goes through my head is the same thing that goes through my head in any case: Is there a lawful predicate to open up an inquiry and investigation, or is there not? And that decision will be made by the career agents and analysts here at the FBI,” he stated.
