President Donald Trump is calling for Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin’s arrest, as well as several other Democratic lawmakers, and putting them on trial over their remarks urging the military to refuse illegal orders.
Trump posted on Truth Social on Nov. 20, responding to an article published by the Washington Examiner, saying the lawmakers’ remarks are “seditious behavior at the highest level.”
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Slotkin was among the six lawmakers in a video posted on Nov. 18, telling military members, “Don’t give up the ship,” “stand up for our laws and our Constitution,” and “refuse illegal orders.”
We want to speak directly to members of the Military and the Intelligence Community.
— Sen. Elissa Slotkin (@SenatorSlotkin) November 18, 2025
The American people need you to stand up for our laws and our Constitution.
Don’t give up the ship. pic.twitter.com/N8lW0EpQ7r
It’s not clear what illegal orders the lawmakers are referring to.
In another Truth Social post related to his original statement, he added, “punishable by DEATH.”
Slotkin responded to Trump’s statements, saying, “What’s most telling is that the President considers it punishable by death for us to restate the law.”
Here’s her full statement posted on X:
“We are veterans and national security professionals who love this country and swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. That oath lasts a lifetime, and we intend to keep it. No threat, intimidation, or call for violence will deter us from that sacred obligation.
“What’s most telling is that the President considers it punishable by death for us to restate the law. Our servicemembers should know that we have their backs as they fulfill their oath to the Constitution and obligation to follow only lawful orders. It is not only the right thing to do, but also our duty.
“But this isn’t about any one of us. This isn’t about politics. This is about who we are as Americans. Every American must unite and condemn the President’s calls for our murder and political violence. This is a time for moral clarity.
“In these moments, fear is contagious, but so is courage. We will continue to lead and will not be intimidated.
“Don’t Give Up the Ship!”
Senator Elissa Slotkin
Earlier this morning, President Trump threatened me and a group of service and veteran Members of Congress with arrest, trial, and death by hanging.
— Sen. Elissa Slotkin (@SenatorSlotkin) November 20, 2025
Here’s my response: pic.twitter.com/jIZYrQTlP7