President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth threatened six Democratic lawmakers with sedition charges and court-martial proceedings after they released a video urging servicemembers to resist illegal orders. Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona said his Republican colleagues have stayed mostly quiet about the threats. One GOP lawmaker then broke that silence.
Bacon Calls Administration’s Response ‚Crazy‘
Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska criticized both sides in a social media post late Monday. According to Time, Bacon wrote that the Democrats‘ video was unnecessary and foolish. But he also called the threats of sedition charges and court-martial crazy.
Bacon doubled down in follow-up posts. He labeled the video unnecessary and dumb but said it was not illegal. He described the Trump Administration’s threats as dumber. Bacon urged common sense and restraint from all parties.
The Defense Secretary branded the group the Seditious Six. The six Democrats included Kelly, Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, Representative Jason Crow of Colorado, Representative Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, Representative Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire, and Representative Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania. Hegseth said his department would investigate Kelly for a potential breach of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
Former Republicans Also Push Back
Pattern of Dissent From Retiring Lawmaker
Bacon is one of few Republicans who has not fallen in line with Trump’s agenda. The 62-year-old Air Force veteran earned a reputation as a centrist. He called for Hegseth’s resignation earlier this year during the Signalgate controversy. He also criticized Trump as weak and pro-Russian on Ukraine.
Bacon announced in June that he would not seek a sixth term in 2026. He told reporters he wished to be remembered as a Christian first, American second, then a Republican.
Former Senator Jeff Flake defended Kelly in a post. He called Kelly a good man who has served his country honorably. Former Representative Ron Paul said the uniform code of military justice gives military personnel a legal and ethical duty to disregard unlawful orders.
Former Representative Justin Amash said the chances of a successful prosecution in Kelly’s case are zero point zero percent. Legal scholars in media comments have largely echoed that view. Amash added that anyone in the country can freely state that service members must refuse unlawful orders.
