Overview
- Multiple lawmakers—including Jason Crow, Elissa Slotkin, Chrissy Houlahan, Maggie Goodlander and Chris Deluzio—say federal prosecutors requested interviews about the Nov. 18 video, while the D.C. U.S. Attorney’s Office declined to confirm any investigation.
- The 90-second message told service members and intelligence personnel they must refuse unlawful orders, prompting President Trump to accuse the group of “seditious behavior” and call for prosecution.
- The Pentagon issued a censure letter to retired Navy captain and Sen. Mark Kelly and initiated a process that could reduce his retired rank and pension, and Kelly has sued Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the department to block the action.
- Lawmakers characterize the outreach as political intimidation and note that the FBI sought interviews through the congressional sergeants-at-arms in November.
- Legal analysts quoted in reports say statutes floated by critics carry high intent requirements and potential First Amendment and Speech or Debate protections that complicate any prosecution.