Slotkin Questions Trump’s Orders Amid Backlash
Sen. Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat from Michigan, recently expressed uncertainty over whether President Trump had issued illegal military orders, following criticism of a video she shared. In an ABC “This Week” interview, Slotkin was asked about the video where she, along with five other Democrats, urged military personnel to “reject illegal orders.”
During the interview, host Martha Raddatz probed Slotkin, asking directly if she believed Trump had given any unlawful orders. Slotkin’s response was somewhat evasive; she mentioned, “As far as I know, I don’t know of anything illegal.” However, she acknowledged the complexities surrounding military actions in the Caribbean and issues related to Venezuela.
When pressed for specifics, she referenced President Trump’s deployment of the National Guard in various cities as a point of concern. “Seeing law enforcement and military personnel interacting with civilians can be incredibly nerve-wracking,” she noted, emphasizing the stress on both officers and the local communities involved. Her comments seemed to serve as a warning, reminding military members of their authority to question orders, particularly those they feel compromise their duty to the American people.
Slotkin’s video has sparked significant backlash, including criticism from military veterans who feel frustrated by the implications of her message. Raddatz pointed out the video’s suggestion that Trump could be giving illegal orders, to which Slotkin responded that the intent was to guide individuals on seeking clarification through proper military channels.
In a social media post, Trump condemned the video, labelling it incitement and calling those involved “traitors.” He asserted that there could be no other understanding of what was said in the video, characterizing it as a serious crime.
Overall, the situation highlights the ongoing tensions between political leaders and the military, raising questions about the boundaries of lawful orders and how they are interpreted in practice.
