USA Democrats: Trump calls for execution of elected officials
Several Democratic members of Congress have reacted sharply to threats from US President Donald Trump.
21.11.2025, 00:31
SDA
The Republican had threatened her and other members of parliament with "arrest, trial and death" because he rejected a video they had published, said Senator Elissa Slotkin in a clip published on X.
Trump had previously made several posts on the Truth Social platform in which he accused a group of Democrats of "insurgent behavior by traitors". In another post, he did not mention the group by name, but wrote: "SUDDEN BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!"
Democrats to military: refuse illegal orders
In the video, six Democratic members of Congress, who themselves have a military or intelligence background, address members of the US armed forces and intelligence services. In essence, they call on them not to allow themselves to be put under pressure. "Our laws are clear: you can refuse illegal orders - you must refuse illegal orders," they say. No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or the constitution.
They do not directly name Trump or any specific situation. However, they do say that "this administration" is using the military against American citizens.
Trump spokeswoman: Democrats undermine chain of command
When asked, Trump's spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, accused the Democrats of sending a dangerous message to the US military with their video. They had "conspired" to incite military personnel to disobey lawful orders from the President. The military's ability to function is based on the chain of command - if this is undermined, it could lead to chaos.
Leavitt countered the question of whether Trump himself was fueling political violence with his statements by saying that the Democrats were falsely suggesting that the president had issued illegal orders.
Schumer: Trump calls for "execution of elected officials"
In addition to Slotkin, other Democrats also reacted to Trump's comments. The party's minority leader in the Senate, Chuck Schumer, warned that Trump was effectively calling for the execution of elected representatives. "Let's be crystal clear: the President of the United States is calling for the execution of elected officials," said Schumer. This is "extremely dangerous".
