Federal Investigation for Congress Members Over Military Orders Video

Three Democratic lawmakers who appeared in a video message telling service members to “reject illegal orders” shared that they are now being investigated by federal prosecutors. Representatives Jason Crow from Colorado, Chrissy Houlahan from Pennsylvania, and Maggie Goodlander from New Hampshire revealed Wednesday that they were contacted by Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, regarding potential interviews.

Crow expressed his frustration, stating on X, “Trump’s political cronies at the Justice Department are trying to blackmail and intimidate us.” He further noted, “I will always uphold my oath to the Constitution,” and reassured in a video message that they wouldn’t be silenced or intimidated, emphasizing their commitment to the law.

Senator Under Investigation for ‘Illegal Command’ Video

The video that sparked the controversy was released in November and included Crow, Houlahan, Goodlander, along with Senators Elissa Slotkin (Michigan) and Mark Kelly (Arizona), and Representative Chris Deluzio (Pennsylvania). The participants, who all have military or intelligence backgrounds, used the video to speak against actions by President Trump and Army Secretary Pete Hegseth, coinciding with a national dialogue about the President’s deployment of the National Guard across multiple cities.

Trump criticized the video vehemently on his platform, accusing the lawmakers of engaging in “inflammatory acts.” He claimed on November 20, “This is called sedition at the highest level. Each and every traitor to our country must be arrested and brought to justice.” He even hinted that “sedition deserves the death penalty.”

Senator Uncertain About Trump’s Military Orders

The group’s previous military associations added to the scrutiny, as they declared, “Our laws are clear. We can refuse illegal orders.” According to reports, Pirro’s office has also sought meetings with Slotkin or her private attorney.

Slotkin remarked, “The facts matter little, but the threat matters a great deal,” highlighting concerns about legal threats directed at themselves and their staff. However, Pirro’s office has neither confirmed nor denied the investigation’s existence.

Goodlander expressed in a video on X, “No matter how much they threaten me, I will not back down,” lamenting that simply stating a crucial legal principle has provoked aggressive responses from the President.

Houlahan also shared her experience, stating, “I have been contacted by federal prosecutors who are investigating me for making a video warning military personnel not to follow illegal orders.” She noted that the six of them are being targeted not for falsehoods, but rather because the administration wanted to suppress their message.