FBI Begins Interviews of Democrats After Viral Video Urging Troops to Refuse “Illegal Orders”

The FBI has initiated a formal inquiry involving six Democratic members of Congress after they appeared in a recent video urging U.S. military and intelligence personnel to refuse “illegal orders.” The agency has contacted the House and Senate Sergeants at Arms to schedule interviews with the lawmakers.

Those under scrutiny include Mark Kelly of Arizona, Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, Jason Crow of Colorado, Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania and Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire. All six have backgrounds in the military or intelligence community.

In their video message, the lawmakers urged service members to uphold their oath to the Constitution by refusing orders they believe to be unlawful. The video did not cite any specific orders. Supporters and some legal experts say their statement reflects long-standing military law: service members are required to refuse manifestly illegal orders.

The FBI’s investigation joins a separate review by the Department of Defense. The Pentagon is examining whether retired Navy captain Mark Kelly — the only one of the six eligible for recall under the Uniform Code of Military Justice — should face disciplinary or criminal

The lawmakers described the probe as an intimidation campaign, saying the administration is using federal agencies to silence political dissent. Some members of Congress, including Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, called the investigations frivolous and urged the government to focus on more pressing threats.

As the inquiry unfolds, it adds a new chapter to a growing debate over the balance of free speech, military duty, and political pressure in Washington.

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