FBI Interviews Loom for Democrats Over Controversial Video

Democratic lawmakers who appeared in a social media video urging U.S. troops to defy “illegal orders” have stated that the FBI has reached out to schedule interviews, indicating a potential investigation into the matter. This development follows a statement from the Pentagon indicating it is reviewing actions related to Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona for possible violations of military law.

The FBI’s inquiry represents an escalation in federal oversight regarding military conduct, especially given the backdrop of accusations from President Donald Trump, who labeled the lawmakers’ actions as “seditious behavior.” The increasing scrutiny highlights a concerning intersection of law enforcement and political discourse, with federal agencies traditionally remaining neutral in partisan issues.

In their video, the lawmakers implore military personnel to reject orders they deem unlawful, a responsibility already mandated by military regulations. The group, which includes former military and intelligence officials, asserts that their message is rooted in a commitment to uphold the Constitution. Elissa Slotkin, a member of the group, described the FBI’s actions as a form of intimidation, stating, “President Trump is using the FBI as a tool to intimidate and harass Members of Congress.”

The FBI has reportedly contacted the House and Senate Sergeants at Arms to facilitate these interviews. However, the agency has not disclosed the specifics of the inquiry, and lawmakers have expressed uncertainty about the basis for the FBI’s interest. Slotkin noted that the inquiry appears to be a response to the video, stating, “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.”

The lawmakers’ video, which has drawn significant attention, urges military personnel to “stand up for our laws … our Constitution.” Senator Kelly, a former fighter pilot, reinforced the message by asserting that troops have the right to refuse illegal orders. Although the video did not cite specific incidents, Slotkin referenced historical instances where military directives have raised legal concerns, including previous orders from the Trump administration regarding military engagements.

She expressed that the video stemmed from numerous service members expressing concerns about their deployment and potential orders they might be asked to follow. “We were hearing from people worried about being sent to Washington or other cities, and they were uncertain about the legality of what they might be ordered to do,” Slotkin stated.

The legal precedent surrounding military orders is clear; service members are obligated to reject unlawful commands. Historically, the defense of “just following orders” has been deemed insufficient to absolve military personnel from accountability, a principle established during the Nuremberg Trials.

The FBI has chosen not to comment on the ongoing inquiry. During an interview with journalist Catherine Herridge, FBI Director Kash Patel described the situation as an “ongoing matter,” emphasizing the need for a lawful basis to initiate any investigation. Patel did not elaborate on the specifics regarding the video or the inquiry.

The actions taken by both the FBI and the Pentagon signal a significant intersection of governance and military protocol, raising questions about the implications for lawmakers and service members alike. This evolving situation continues to attract national attention as it unfolds.