‘Refuse Illegal Orders’ PSA Triggers Heated Exchange Between Fox Anchor Martha MacCallum and Rep. Jason Crow

Fox News anchor Martha MacCallum and Democratic Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) clashed on air after a group of veteran Democratic lawmakers released a public service announcement urging U.S. service members to "refuse illegal orders." Crow appears in the video and defended it as a lawful reminder of military obligations under federal law and the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

The exchange centered on MacCallum's demand that Crow identify a concrete example of an unlawful order and on Crow's broader concern about the executive branch's use of military force without clear congressional authorization. The hosts also referenced a past remark by former President Donald Trump about shooting protesters in the legs, which surfaced during the conversation.

Key points from the exchange

Crow's argument: He said the PSA was a straightforward reminder of service members' legal duties under the UCMJ and compared it to the briefings he delivered as an infantry officer. Crow asserted that leaders should clarify the constitutional requirement that only Congress can declare war and authorize extended military engagements, and he criticized the administration for expanding military activity without adequate congressional debate.

MacCallum's challenge: She repeatedly pressed Crow to provide a specific unlawful order the PSA sought to counter and warned that vague guidance could confuse young service members. She expressed deep respect for the military and said she feared the PSA might be interpreted as sowing doubt about lawful orders.

Senator Eric Schmitt, quoted on social media during the segment: "At the end of the day — they’re mad that the American people chose Trump, and now they’re calling on the military and intelligence community to intervene. Sounds a little, quote, ‘subversive to democracy-ish.'"

Crow called that characterization "patently false and absurd," saying political actors often twist such messages for partisan effect. He noted that training and clear guidance about the difference between lawful and unlawful orders are part of military preparation and said reminders of those obligations are appropriate and necessary. Crow also cited, as he put it, a survey indicating that roughly eight in ten service members understand their obligations regarding lawful orders, adding that such understanding should be universal.

Takeaway

The discussion highlighted a sharp divide: Crow framed the PSA as responsible reinforcement of legal and constitutional duties, while MacCallum sought specific examples to ensure the guidance would not create ambiguity for troops. The segment drew significant attention on social media and in political coverage, reflecting broader debates about civilian oversight, presidential authority, and how best to prepare service members for complex legal and ethical decisions in the field.