“You of All People Know”: Joe Scarborough Rebukes Lindsey Graham Over Democrats’ ‘Refuse Illegal Orders’ Video

Joe Scarborough rebuked Senator Lindsey Graham for condemning a 90‑second video in which six Democrats with military or intelligence experience urged troops to refuse unlawful orders. The clip prompted incendiary posts by Donald Trump on Truth Social, including the phrase "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH." Graham called the video "despicable" but rejected calls for jailing the lawmakers; Scarborough said Graham—given his JAG background—knew better. Scarborough also suggested Trump was using the controversy to distract from other political troubles.

10:47 PM, 11/21/2025Politics

Morning Joe host Joe Scarborough sharply rebuked Senator Lindsey Graham after Graham criticized a 90‑second video produced by six Democratic lawmakers with military or intelligence backgrounds that urged service members to refuse unlawful orders.

The short clip reminds viewers that those in uniform "swore an oath to protect and defend this Constitution" and states plainly: "You can refuse illegal orders. You must refuse illegal orders. No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our Constitution."

Former President Donald Trump responded on Truth Social in all caps, calling the video "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL" and labeling the lawmakers "TRAITORS." In a later post he escalated the rhetoric: "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!" He also reshared a comment that read, "HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !!"

Senator Graham, typically an ally of Trump, condemned the video as "despicable" but told ABC News he did not support jailing the lawmakers. "I think what they did was despicable. I don't agree with the president [that] they should be put in jail, but I do believe what they did was despicable and they need to explain themselves," Graham said.

On Friday's Morning Joe, Scarborough pushed back forcefully, noting Graham's own past service as a JAG officer and arguing that the senator should know better than to attack a message that reminds service members they are not required to follow illegal commands.

"Lindsey knows better. I mean, and that's what's so pathetic about it. It's sad. I know Lindsey and I've known Lindsey for a long time. He's been a friend, but Lindsey knows better," Scarborough said. "Getting angry at anybody for telling troops, 'Don't commit illegal acts' — it's just nonsensical."

Scarborough also suggested Trump's posts were intended to distract from other political problems, including the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files and weak approval numbers. He urged Republicans and cable-news hosts to publicly acknowledge the core legal point: service members should not carry out unlawful orders.

"Stop blindly going along with this... come on, Lindsey, you of all people know that troops cannot commit illegal actions and you should be saluting your colleagues for telling them, 'Don't commit illegal actions.'"

The exchange highlights continuing tensions over civil‑military norms and political rhetoric. Lawmakers involved in the video and their critics have signaled they will continue to debate the message and its implications for military obedience and civic duty.