Rep. Jason Crow: Threats After Video Urging Troops to Refuse Unlawful Orders — Calls for Oversight

Nov. 23, 2025 — Representative Jason Crow (D-Colo.) appeared on Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan to discuss a recorded message he helped produce urging service members to refuse manifestly unlawful orders, the violent threats his office has received since the video aired, and the need for stronger congressional oversight of military action.

Brennan opened the interview by citing a bomb threat to Crow's Aurora, Colorado office and repeated death threats to his family. His office released audio of abusive calls, including one caller saying, "I hope you all get murdered," and another shouting, "You ain't an American, f*****, you're a communist." Crow said investigators were treating the threats seriously and warned that such abusive rhetoric can inspire violence.

Unknown caller: "I hope you all get murdered."

Unknown caller: "You ain't an American, f*****, you're a communist."

Crow placed the threats in a broader context: he accused the President of using incendiary language that has included references to arrest, execution and the use of military force in ways Crow described as unlawful. Citing the January 6 attack as a precedent, Crow warned that high-profile rhetoric can have real-world consequences when listeners act on it.

Brennan read a recent post attributed to the President asserting that lawmakers who urged troops to disobey orders committed "sedition at the highest level" and should be jailed. Crow said he could not determine the President's specific intentions but called the language "irresponsible and dangerous." He emphasized that reminding service members of their constitutional duty to refuse unlawful orders is a lawful, necessary conversation—especially given the President's repeated public statements about using military force in domestic settings.

Republican critics, including 15 House Republicans who are veterans and retired Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Jack Bergman, released a separate video warning that service members who refuse lawful orders risk court-martial. Crow responded that his video specifically addressed unlawful orders and that critics were mischaracterizing the message. He said the goal was to prompt discussion and preparation so troops would recognize manifestly illegal commands before being put in split-second life-or-death situations.

When Brennan asked whether rank-and-file troops should bypass the military's legal channels—such as consulting a staff judge advocate—Crow answered emphatically no. Drawing on his experience leading paratroopers and Rangers during three combat deployments, he described pre-deployment training on the law of war and on distinguishing lawful from unlawful orders as routine and essential. The lawmakers' message, Crow said, was intended to encourage that same kind of preparation within the U.S. forces.

The interview also turned to congressional oversight. Crow argued that House Republican leadership and the administration have blocked briefings and access to information, hampering Congress's ability to review potential deployments and other operational decisions. He said decisions about sending troops into foreign countries or deploying forces domestically are matters for Congress to debate and, where required, authorize—warning that ceding that authority to the executive branch has led to prolonged conflicts in the past.

Crow reiterated that he would not be intimidated by threats and that his oath to uphold the Constitution requires him to press for legal accountability and oversight. Brennan closed by noting poll data indicating the public wants more information about potential plans regarding Venezuela.

Key takeaways: Crow condemned violent threats against his office; defended the lawmakers' video as a lawful reminder about refusing manifestly unlawful orders; urged better training and legal guidance for service members; and pressed for stronger congressional oversight of potential military actions.