Explaining dispute between President Donald Trump and Sen. Elissa Slotkin

President Donald Trump is accusing six lawmakers, including Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin, of sedition, “punishable by DEATH,’ after they called for U.S. military members to uphold the Constitution and refuse ”illegal orders."

The Democratic lawmakers, all veterans of the armed services and intelligence community, posted a video on X directed towards U.S. service members on Thursday that caused a political stir.

Here’s a breakdown of what happened:

Slotkin, other Democratic lawmakers: ‘Don’t give up the ship’

Slotkin posted a 90-second video to her X account on Tuesday, Nov. 18. In the video, six lawmakers — Slotkin, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, and Reps. Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Maggie Goodlander and Chrissy Houlahan — spoke directly to U.S. service members, in which Slotkin said are “under enormous stress and pressure right now.”

The caption on the video posted stated, "We want to speak directly to members of the Military and the Intelligence Community. The American people need you to stand up for our laws and our Constitution. Don’t give up the ship."

The lawmakers also called military members to uphold the Constitution and defy “illegal orders.” It’s not clear what illegal orders they were referring to.

Trump responds: ‘seditious behavior,’ ‘punishable by death’

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,” and they should be “ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL.”

In another Truth Social post related to his original statement, he added, “punishable by DEATH!”

Trump also reposted messages on Truth Social from others about the video in support of his statements.

Slotkin stands ground

Slotkin responded to Trump’s statements Thursday afternoon, saying, "In these moments, fear is contagious, but so is courage. We will continue to lead and will not be intimidated."

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 via X

She also posted a video response, with the caption: “Earlier this morning, President Trump threatened me and a group of service and veteran Members of Congress with arrest, trial, and death by hanging."

Whitmer releases statement

Hours after Trump called for Slotkin’s arrest, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer took to social media and posted a statement regarding the dispute, saying, “In America, we do not target or threaten our political opponents with violence. In today’s message from the President tears at the seams of those fundamental values.”

Her full statement can be read below:

Slotkin receives ‘hundreds’ of threats, gets 24/7 security

Slotkin told NBC News on Thursday that since Trump’s comments, she has received “hundreds” of threats, and ”Capitol Police is now with me 24/7.”

“I mean, the shift was immediate,” she said. “We’ve had hundreds and hundreds, if not, you know, closer to 1000 threats come in to our phones, our emails — all our Senate systems.”

“I’m worried about the safety of my staff, of my family, and obviously for myself,” Slotkin added. “You know, the Sergeant of Arms arranged for us to have 24/7 security, and that’s because the threat level just went through the roof. So words have consequences.”