The Democratic congressman, a former Air Force colonel, recently made headlines by participating in a viral video where he, along with five other Congress members, advised military personnel to defy illegal orders from the president. This sparked a strong backlash from President Trump, who branded them “traitors.” Army Secretary Pete Hegseth also responded by calling for a formal review of one comment made in the video by a senator.
Pennsylvania state Representative Chrissy Houlahan, representing Chester and Reading counties, shared a compilation of supportive messages applauding her and her fellow lawmakers for standing up for military personnel during what they described as a challenging period for service members.
In a notable moment, several of the messages she received came from individuals who weren’t even voters, including a veteran living all the way in Fairbanks, Alaska. Others were from cities like Philadelphia, Reading, and Baltimore, and they highlighted their military backgrounds, saying things like, “I’m not a voter; I’m a veteran.” Some expressed gratitude for her firm stance, while another caller mentioned how valuable her comments were.
In a separate response, the White House spokesperson, Abigail Jackson, criticized Democrats like Houlahan for not providing examples of illegal orders from President Trump or the Pentagon, asserting such examples simply didn’t exist.
On another note, Hegseth labeled Houlahan and her colleagues as “six instigators,” emphasizing that all service members must follow lawful orders under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The Department of the Army echoed that sentiment, stating personal beliefs do not justify disobedience to lawful commands.
Houlahan has a military background herself, serving two years on active duty in the Air Force, and her father was a naval aviator. Since the video’s release, she and several others involved have reported receiving bomb threats at their offices.
