Former President Donald Trump has accused six Democratic lawmakers of seditious behavior, punishable by death after they released a video urging U.S. service members to refuse unlawful commands. In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump declared their actions as dangerous and divisive, labeling them traitors and calling for their arrest.

The video, shared by Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin and featuring several military veterans, asserted that military personnel could refuse illegal orders, reinforcing their oath to protect the Constitution. Trump responded emphatically, emphasizing that such behavior could lead to severe consequences.

“It's called SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL,” Trump stated, indicating that the lawmakers' actions threaten the very fabric of the nation. The lawmakers—who have military or intelligence backgrounds—defended their position, asserting that threats and intimidation would not deter their commitment to resilient governance.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt quickly distanced Trump from any direct calls for violence, redirecting the narrative to the lawmakers' own comments about defying lawful orders. Despite her reassurances, Trump's comments have triggered an outcry surrounding political safety and the rhetoric that surrounds it.

Democratic leaders have criticized Trump’s remarks as inciting violence, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stating it could endanger lives, while Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson supported Trump's characterization of the lawmakers' video as inappropriate.

As the political environment grows increasingly charged with accusations of seedier behavior, Trump's remarks reflect a broader issue concerning the growing violence rooted in political rhetoric, with surveys indicating that a significant majority of Americans believe such violence is on the rise.

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