Swalwell Claims Military Can Check Trump
California gubernatorial hopeful and Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell asserted that military officials have mentioned they could act as a “check” on President Donald Trump.
During an appearance on a recent episode of a news show, Swalwell discussed a video featuring six Democratic Congress members urging military personnel to “reject illegal orders” issued by Trump.
Following this, the Department of the Army revealed that it has initiated a formal investigation into possible misconduct by Arizona Senator and former Navy captain Mark Kelly, who was part of the video.
Swalwell argued that the Trump administration is effectively undermining itself by pursuing Kelly’s admonition for military members to resist “unlawful orders,” adding that some service members view themselves as a necessary “check” on the president.
“What uplifts me? I frequently engage with military personnel. They express to me that the public doesn’t fully grasp their role, saying, ‘We can be a check,’ especially when Congress isn’t fulfilling that duty, and the judiciary doesn’t seem to be much of a check either,” Swalwell expressed.
He continued, “They’re essentially communicating, ‘We won’t compromise our oath to the Constitution just because someone tells us to.'” While they don’t fit neatly into governmental branches, their integrity might be crucial for preserving order.
Swalwell concurred with his host that the Trump administration, and by extension the Republican Party, has been conveying to military personnel to “disregard the Constitution.”
“Honestly, the only reason to target Mark Kelly for telling soldiers they shouldn’t obey illegal orders is that you might be planning to give those illegal orders,” Swalwell remarked. “If you’re not planning to issue such orders, why would it bother you if someone points that out?”
Fox News Digital has reached out for comments from the Department of the Army.
Swalwell’s remarks coincided with warnings issued by Senator Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) on another network, cautioning military officials about repercussions for targeting Kelly.
“Donald Trump will eventually be out of the picture,” Gallego stated plainly. “And if you’re part of a military that pursues a sitting senator or member of Congress, and you are involved in weaponizing the government, you will face consequences, that’s for sure.”
