‘Not Aware’: Slotkin Pressed Over Urging Military to Defy ‘Illegal’ Trump Orders

After urging members of the military to refuse “illegal orders” from the Trump administration, Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., admitted she is not aware of any such orders.

“Do you believe President [Donald] Trump has issued any illegal orders?” ABC’s Martha Raddatz asked her.

“To my knowledge, I am not aware of things that are illegal—but certainly there are some legal gymnastics that are going on with these Caribbean strikes and everything related to Venezuela,” Slotkin said.

In a video posted on X, Slotkin said that “threats to the Constitution aren’t just coming from abroad, but right here at home.”

Slotkin and five other Democrat members of Congress shared a video on X Tuesday, telling the military and intelligence community, the “American people need you to stand up for our laws and our Constitution. Don’t give up the ship.”  

“Like us, you all swore an oath to protect and defend this Constitution. Right now, the threats to our Constitution aren’t just coming from abroad, but from right here at home,” the six Democrats say in the video message. “Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders. … You must refuse illegal orders.”  

Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., also appears in the video alongside Reps. Jason Crow of Colorado, Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania, Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, and Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire. All six Democrats formerly served in the U.S. military or in the intelligence community.  

“No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our Constitution,” the elected leaders say. “We know this is hard and that it’s a difficult time to be a public servant. But whether you’re serving in the CIA, the Army, our Navy, the Air Force—your vigilance is critical, and know that we have your back because now, more than ever, the American people need you.”  

The video earned over 5 million views on X in less than 24 hours and drew criticism from the White House.  

“Democrat lawmakers are now openly calling for insurrection,” Stephen Miller, White House deputy chief of staff for policy, wrote on X.  

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth called the Democrats’ video “Stage 4 [Trump Derangement Syndrome].”