President Trump called for the arrest of six Democratic members of Congress — all former military or intelligence officers — after they released a video advising service members they may "refuse illegal orders," calling the actions "punishable by death." Iraq War veteran and podcaster Paul Rieckhoff told Katy Tur he viewed the threats as "one of the worst things he's done," adding to the backlash. The incident has reignited debate over free speech, military duty, and presidential rhetoric.
Iraq Veteran Paul Rieckhoff Condemns Trump’s Call to Arrest Democratic Ex-Officers: “One of the Worst Things He’s Done”
President Trump called for the arrest of six Democratic members of Congress — all former military or intelligence officers — after they released a video advising service members they may "refuse illegal orders," calling the actions "punishable by death." Iraq War veteran and podcaster Paul Rieckhoff told Katy Tur he viewed the threats as "one of the worst things he's done," adding to the backlash. The incident has reignited debate over free speech, military duty, and presidential rhetoric.
02:55 AM, 11/21/2025Politics
President Trump demanded the arrest of six Democratic members of Congress — all former military or intelligence officers — after they released a video advising service members that they may refuse unlawful orders. In a post that drew immediate backlash, Trump described their actions as "punishable by death."
Iraq War veteran Paul Rieckhoff, host of the Independent Americans podcast, told Katy Tur the president's rhetoric was "one of the worst things he's done." Rieckhoff joined other critics who warned that calls for arrests and extreme language could chill lawful political speech and imperil former service members who speak out.
The lawmakers' video urged service members to understand their legal obligations and the distinction between lawful and unlawful commands. Supporters said the message promoted legal and ethical awareness; opponents — including the president — characterized it as dangerous and subversive.
President Trump: "punishable by death."
The episode has intensified debate over free speech, civil-military relations, and the limits of presidential rhetoric. Legal scholars note that seeking to arrest elected officials over political speech would raise serious constitutional and legal questions.