A recent video featuring six Democratic lawmakers urging the U.S. military to disobey illegal orders has sparked significant controversy, with President Trump labeling it an “incendiary act.” Retired Army Captain Doug Tuax, who founded Restoration of America, expressed concerns that the video could jeopardize the military’s chain of command and heighten political tensions nationwide.
Tuax described the video as one of the most unpatriotic things he’s witnessed, suggesting that if military personnel begin questioning orders based on personal judgment of morality, rather than legality, it could lead to chaos. He emphasized that placing such a burden on service members is unfair, as they are primarily focused on their duties without delving into political matters.
The viral video features Senators and Representatives, including Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), and others from various military backgrounds. In it, they tell military members that they are entitled to reject illegal orders—a fact, according to Tuax, that soldiers are already aware of. He believes that the lawmakers are blurring crucial lines regarding authority and responsibility.
Tuax cautioned that messages like these could create significant anxiety for service members who might second-guess what they view as legitimate commands. He underscored the necessity of a clear chain of command to avoid chaos.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth similarly criticized the video, arguing that vague messaging can undermine trust and unity within military ranks. He pointed out that while refusing illegal orders might be a harmless concept for civilians, it holds different implications for those in the military, where ambiguity can lead to hesitation and disarray.
When discussing the defenders of the lawmakers based on their service backgrounds, Tuax asserted that their experience makes the situation worse. He suggested that this is fundamentally about political power and a reaction to shifts in the country’s political landscape. Tuax also referenced high-profile acts of political violence, stating that the video could incite further division and confrontation.
He criticized the lawmakers, characterizing them as a “sophisticated D.C. cocktail version of Antifa” for what he perceives as efforts to confuse the public. Tuax expressed concern that while it may not impact active-duty members significantly, National Guard and Reserve troops could find themselves in challenging situations due to the mixed messages conveyed in the video.
Drawing on historical parallels, he warned against politicizing the military, recalling the difficult reception veterans faced after the Vietnam War. Tuax shared his father-in-law’s experience, who served honorably yet faced considerable challenges upon returning home.
Ultimately, Tuax hoped that service members wouldn’t become political pawns when carrying out their duties. He emphasized the importance of protecting them from becoming targets merely for fulfilling their roles in serving the country.
