Grand Jury Declines to Indict Democratic Lawmakers Over Video Urging Troops to Refuse Illegal Orders

A federal grand jury has declined to indict six Democratic lawmakers who posted a video urging members of the military and intelligence community to refuse illegal orders from the Trump administration.

According to sources familiar with the matter, prosecutors had sought charges related to a 90-second video released in November. The clip featured Sens. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and Mark Kelly of Arizona, along with Reps. Chrissy Houlahan and Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania, Jason Crow of Colorado, and Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire.

In the video, the lawmakers warned of “threats to our Constitution” and encouraged service members to “refuse illegal orders.” The message drew sharp criticism from the administration, with officials arguing it undermined presidential authority as commander in chief.

Grand juries rarely decline to approve charges sought by prosecutors, though such outcomes have occurred in recent months in other politically sensitive cases. While the panel rejected the proposed indictments, prosecutors could attempt to bring the matter before another grand jury.

Several of the lawmakers responded publicly following the decision. Kelly called the effort to indict them an “outrageous abuse of power,” while Slotkin described the grand jury’s decision as a victory for constitutional protections and free speech.

House Speaker Mike Johnson said the lawmakers “probably should be indicted,” arguing their comments crossed a line by encouraging disobedience.

The case also intersected with a separate dispute involving Kelly and the Pentagon. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had moved to reduce Kelly’s last military rank and issue a letter of censure over his participation in the video. A federal judge in Washington is expected to rule on Kelly’s challenge to those actions.

The developments underscore ongoing tensions between the administration and its political opponents over speech, military authority, and the role of the Justice Department.

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