Trump Denies Threatening Democrats After Calling Their Actions 'Seditious, Punishable by Death'

President Donald Trump on Friday insisted he was not threatening Democratic lawmakers with death after describing their actions a day earlier as "seditious behavior, punishable by death." Speaking on conservative host Brian Kilmeade’s radio program, Trump said, "In the old days, if you said a thing like that, that was punishable by death," and added, "I think they’re in serious trouble. I would say they’re in serious trouble. I’m not threatening death, but I think they’re in serious trouble."

What prompted the exchange

The comments followed a video released by several Democratic lawmakers alongside former military and intelligence officials urging service members and intelligence personnel to refuse illegal orders. Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, a former CIA and Defense Department official, shared the video. Participants included Sen. Mark Kelly and Reps. Chris Deluzio, Maggie Hassan Goodlander, Chrissy Houlahan and Jason Crow.

"Like us, you all swore an oath to protect and defend this Constitution. Right now, the threats coming to our Constitution aren’t just coming from abroad but from right here at home. Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders. You must refuse illegal orders."

Trump's posts and reactions

Trump reacted on his social platform by posting in all caps that the lawmakers were guilty of "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!" He also reshared other posts with violent language. On Friday, he denied advocating executions while reiterating he believed the lawmakers had "broken the law" and suggesting they could face consequences.

Slotkin’s office said she began receiving threats immediately after the video circulated and that U.S. Capitol Police told her she would receive around-the-clock protection. "We’ve got law enforcement out in front of my house," she told reporters, adding that leadership tone matters: "If the president is saying you should be hanged, then we shouldn’t be surprised when folks on the ground are going to follow suit and say even worse."

Rep. Jason Crow, a former Army officer, said his office saw a rise in threats after the posts and formally requested that the U.S. Capitol Police investigate, describing the president’s messages as "intimidating, threatening, and concerning." Crow said he would not let the threats change his approach.

Other lawmakers with military backgrounds also reported increased harassment. Sen. Ruben Gallego, a Marine veteran, said the president appeared to be "turning his online digital mob against these members of Congress" and noted that refusing illegal orders is a fundamental tenet of military service.

White House response and broader concerns

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt rejected the idea that the president was calling for executions, saying "No" when asked whether he was advocating that action. She described the Democrats' message as "very, very dangerous" and suggested legal authorities should review the matter, noting she is not a lawyer.

Observers have raised broader concerns about a rise in threats and violence targeting public officials. The article referenced recent attacks and polling that found many voters believe extreme political rhetoric contributes to violent incidents.

House Speaker Mike Johnson said he would not have used the president’s language and urged people to "turn down the rhetoric across the board," while also suggesting that heated language exists on both sides of the aisle.

Note: Several lawmakers and staff described an immediate increase in threats and security needs after the president’s social-media posts.