Overview
- Six Democrats with military or intelligence backgrounds released a video stating troops are required by law to refuse illegal orders.
- Trump responded on Truth Social by accusing them of traitorous insurrection and wrote that such conduct was punishable by death, while also amplifying a post saying, "HANG THEM."
- Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the president was effectively calling for the execution of elected officials and warned the language was dangerously escalating political tensions.
- In a Fox News Radio interview, Trump said he was not threatening death and added that the phrase "used to mean death," while arguing the lawmakers broke the law by urging defiance of presidential orders.
- After the posts, the targeted members reported threats, including bomb threats to Chrissy Houlahan’s offices and round-the-clock protection for Elissa Slotkin, with others saying they received menacing messages.