Five US lawmakers investigated over warning troops about illegal orders

Al JazeeraCenterEN 3 min read 100% complete by Erin HaleJanuary 15, 2026 at 09:26 AM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

Five US lawmakers, including Senator Elissa Slotkin and Representatives Jason Crow, Maggie Goodlander, Chrissy Houlahan, and Chris Deluzio, are under investigation by the Department of Justice after releasing a video message in November calling on military personnel to refuse illegal orders. The legislators, all Democrats with prior military service, released the video amid controversy over US President Donald Trump's actions, including air strikes on vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific, and deploying National Guard troops to major US cities. Following the release of the video, President Trump accused the lawmakers of "seditious behaviour". An FBI inquiry was opened into the legislators, as well as Senator Mark Kelly, who also appeared in the video. The Defense Department has launched an investigation into Kelly, with potential consequences including a court-martial and demotion from his military rank.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

FBI 70% Pete Hegseth ×270% Maggie Goodlander 80% Chrissy Houlahan 80% Chris Deluzio 80% Defense Department ×280% Elissa Slotkin 80% Jason Crow 80% Mark Kelly ×485% Department of Justice ×290% Donald Trump ×290% United States ×690%

Keywords

illegal orders 90% department of justice investigation 80% us lawmakers 80% military 70% donald trump 60% first amendment 60% mark kelly 50% defense department 50% free speech 50%