War Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized a group of Democratic lawmakers on Tuesday after they appeared in a video telling military service members to refuse orders they believed to be unlawful.
Hegseth issued [1] the remarks in a social media statement, describing the message as harmful to military cohesion and the chain of command.
The lawmakers included Reps. Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania’s 17th District, Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania’s 6th District, Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire’s 2nd District, and Jason Crow of Colorado’s 6th District.
Sens. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and Mark Kelly of Arizona also participated.
Hegseth referred to the group as the “Seditious Six.”
“In the military, vague rhetoric and ambiguity undermines trust, creates hesitation in the chain of command, and erodes cohesion,” Hegseth said on X.
“The military already has clear procedures for handling unlawful orders. It does not need political actors injecting doubt into an already clear chain of command.”
He said the individuals involved understood the implications of directing their message toward service members.
“As veterans of various sorts, the Seditious Six knew exactly what they were doing—sowing doubt through a politically-motivated influence operation,” he said. “The [Department of War] won’t fall for it or stand for it.”
The despicable video urging @DeptofWar [2] troops to “refuse illegal orders” may seem harmless to civilians — but it carries a different weight inside the military.
This was a politically-motivated influence operation:
☑️ It never named a specific “illegal order.”
☑️ It created…— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) November 25, 2025 [3]
According to Hegseth, none of the lawmakers in the video identified a specific unlawful order.
Slotkin was asked during an appearance on “This Week with George Stephanopoulos” to cite one.
“To my knowledge, I — I am not aware of things that are illegal, but certainly there are some legal gymnastics that are going on with these Caribbean strikes and everything related to Venezuela,” Slotkin said.
Elissa Slotkin ADMITS Democrats lied about President Trump issuing illegal orders to the military:
ABC: “Do you believe President Trump has issued any illegal orders?”
SLOTKIN: “To my knowledge I am not aware of things that are illegal.” pic.twitter.com/63F8AHkK7E [4]
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) November 23, 2025 [5]
Crow also did not identify an unlawful order when asked in subsequent interviews.
A spokesperson for Vice President J.D. Vance has previously stated that interpreting routine federal directives—such as immigration enforcement, crime response in major cities, or operations against narco-terrorist elements—as unlawful is itself a violation of duty.
Hegseth has said the video’s message risks encouraging service members to make individual judgments that conflict with established legal procedures.
The Department of War has opened an investigation into Kelly, who served as a Navy pilot before entering public office.
A statement released Monday said he had been accused of “serious allegations of misconduct” and that officials were considering responses ranging from administrative measures to potential court-martial proceedings.
Kelly posted an image showing his military uniform and decorations, saying he would not be intimidated.
Hegseth responded with additional comments.
“So ‘Captain’ Kelly, not only did your sedition video intentionally undercut good order & discipline…but you can’t even display your uniform correctly,” Hegseth wrote.
“Your medals are out of order & rows reversed. When/if you are recalled to active duty, it’ll start with a uniform inspection.”
So “Captain” Kelly, not only did your sedition video intentionally undercut good order & discipline…but you can’t even display your uniform correctly.
Your medals are out of order & rows reversed. When/if you are recalled to active duty, it’ll start with a uniform inspection. https://t.co/rsSyrPcmbg [6]
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) November 25, 2025 [7]
Democratic lawmakers have defended Kelly and criticized the investigation.
Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona warned military personnel against participating in actions targeting sitting members of Congress.
“If you’re part of the military that is going after sitting senators, sitting members of Congress, and part of the weaponization of government, there will be consequences, without a doubt,” Gallego said.
Mark Kelly: We wanted to explain to members of the military that we have their backs.
Ruben Gallego, a few hours earlier: Threatens members of the military with retaliation over investigation into Kelly. pic.twitter.com/hfyHyTYXl1 [8]
— Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) November 25, 2025 [9]