FBI Initiates Probe Into Six Democratic Lawmakers Over Military 'Illegal Orders' Video

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has requested interviews with six Democratic members of Congress, including U.S. Representative Maggie Goodlander (D-NH), following their participation in a video advising military personnel on the refusal of illegal orders. This development escalates a political controversy that began with the lawmakers' video and drew sharp criticism from figures like Jennifer-Ruth Green, who accused Democrats of attempting to "sow discord" within the military. The Justice Department confirmed the FBI's intent to determine if any wrongdoing occurred, while the lawmakers involved have characterized the probe as an intimidation tactic.

The video, released last week, featured six Democratic lawmakers—all with military or intelligence backgrounds—who reminded service members of their oath to the U.S. Constitution and their right, and duty, to refuse unlawful commands. "Our laws are clear: You can refuse illegal orders," stated the lawmakers, without specifying particular orders they deemed illegal. Concerns among Democrats have previously been raised regarding the legality of certain Trump administration actions, including military strikes on vessels in the Caribbean and the deployment of National Guard troops in U.S. cities.

Jennifer-Ruth Green, a former Indiana Secretary of Public Safety and Air Force veteran, strongly condemned the video, specifically targeting Rep. Goodlander. Green asserted in a social media post, "> Rep. Maggie Goodlander (D-NH) can't name a single illegal order that President Trump has issued or may even issue. The goal of this was to sow discord in our military-- because they can't stand that Donald J. Trump is the duly elected President of the United States. And they should be ashamed of themselves." Green, who previously ran for Congress, highlighted what she perceived as a lack of specific examples from Goodlander.

President Donald Trump reacted vehemently to the video, labeling the lawmakers' actions as "seditious behavior, punishable by death," and sharing posts that called for their execution. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also threatened to recall Senator Mark Kelly, one of the video's participants, to active duty to face potential military charges, accusing him of "seditious" acts that undermine military discipline. Legal experts, however, have largely indicated that the lawmakers' message, reminding service members of their constitutional obligations, is not illegal.

The FBI's request for interviews, confirmed by a Justice Department official, aims to investigate the matter further. The involved lawmakers, including Rep. Goodlander, have publicly stated their commitment to the Constitution and vowed not to be silenced by what they view as politically motivated actions from the Trump administration. Rep. Goodlander, a U.S. Representative for New Hampshire's 2nd congressional district and former Navy officer, previously served as counsel during the first impeachment of President Trump. Jennifer-Ruth Green, an Air Force lieutenant colonel and former congressional candidate, has been a vocal critic of Democratic policies.

This escalating confrontation underscores deep divisions over the role of the military and the interpretation of constitutional duties, with both sides accusing the other of undermining foundational principles. The FBI probe adds a new dimension to the dispute, raising questions about the use of federal law enforcement in politically charged situations.