Michigan Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin says she is facing a federal investigation after participating in a video that urged military members to refuse illegal orders. The video, released in November, featured six Democratic lawmakers with military or intelligence backgrounds and drew sharp criticism from President Trump. At least three of the participants report being contacted by federal prosecutors.
In November, Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., a former CIA officer, organized a video message posted on social media, featuring six congressional Democrats: Slotkin, Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., Rep. Chris Deluzio, D-Pa., Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., Rep. Maggie Goodlander, D-N.H., and Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo. All have military or intelligence experience. The lawmakers invoked the Uniform Code of Military Justice, stating, "No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our Constitution." They added, "Like us, you all swore an oath to protect and defend this Constitution... Our laws are clear: you can refuse illegal orders … you must refuse illegal orders."
The video prompted backlash from the Trump administration, which labeled the group the "Seditious Six" for allegedly undermining the president's authority. President Trump called the message "treasonous" and amplified a post suggesting the lawmakers should be hanged, later clarifying through the White House that he was not advocating violence. He described it as "seditious behavior, punishable by death" in the old days but said he was not threatening death, adding, "I think they’re in serious trouble."
Slotkin learned of the investigation via a call from U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro's office in the District of Columbia, which requested an interview through the Senate sergeant-at-arms. Pirro's office declined to confirm or deny any probe. Reps. Goodlander and Crow also report being asked for interviews by federal prosecutors. The FBI sought interviews with participants in November.
Slotkin has faced over 1,000 threats, including a bomb threat at her home and swatting incidents targeting her parents. "This is the President's playbook," she said. "Truth doesn't matter, facts don't matter... It's legal intimidation and physical intimidation meant to get you to shut up." Crow stated Trump was "pressuring his political appointees to harass me," vowing not to be intimidated. Goodlander echoed, "These threats will not deter, distract, intimidate, or silence me."
Separately, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced plans to censure Kelly, a retired Navy combat pilot, potentially demoting him or reducing his retirement pay. Kelly sued Hegseth and the Pentagon on Monday, arguing it violates the First Amendment. "Pete Hegseth is coming after what I earned through my twenty-five years of military service," Kelly said, calling it an "unconstitutional crusade." Hegseth responded that Kelly is "worried and cranky" and "will be held to account."
This follows broader actions by the Trump administration against critics, including probes into Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.
