Executive Summary
- Senator Lisa Murkowski criticized the FBI and DoD for investigating six Democratic lawmakers.
- The investigation follows a video urging military personnel to refuse illegal orders.
- President Trump labeled the lawmakers’ actions as sedition and called for arrests.
- Senator Elissa Slotkin reported receiving increased security following the President’s remarks.
Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) issued a public rebuke of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Defense on Tuesday regarding reported investigations into six Democratic lawmakers. The inquiry centers on a video released by the legislators which urged members of the armed services and intelligence community to refuse illegal orders.
Senator Murkowski utilized the social media platform X to defend the lawmakers, specifically highlighting Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), a retired Navy captain and former NASA astronaut. According to reports cited by Murkowski, the Department of Defense is considering court-martial proceedings against Senator Kelly. The other lawmakers involved in the video include Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Representative Jason Crow (D-CO), Representative Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Representative Maggie Goodlander (D-NH), and Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), all of whom are veterans of the armed forces or the CIA.
In her statement, Murkowski criticized the allocation of federal resources toward this probe. She characterized the investigation as “frivolous” and asserted that accusing the lawmakers of treason for discussing the lawful refusal of illegal orders is “reckless and flat-out wrong.” She argued that federal agencies have more pressing priorities than investigating these members of Congress.
The video in question reportedly provoked a strong reaction from President Donald Trump. Writing on Truth Social, President Trump described the lawmakers’ actions as “seditious behavior” and suggested they should be arrested and tried. Following these remarks and subsequent online reposts involving violent rhetoric, Senator Slotkin confirmed to MS NOW that she has received increased protection from the Capitol Police due to a surge in threatening communications.
Interbranch Jurisdictional Analysis
This confrontation highlights a significant escalation in tensions between the executive branch and legislative members regarding the interpretation of military obligations and free speech. The reported involvement of the FBI and the Department of Defense in investigating sitting members of Congress regarding public statements raises complex legal questions concerning the separation of powers and the jurisdiction of military justice over retired officers serving in civilian governance. Additionally, the situation underscores the tangible security impacts of heightened political rhetoric on elected officials. It is important to note that accusations of treason and sedition are serious legal charges, and all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
