WASHINGTON D.C. – Former U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday, November 20, 2025, accused six Democratic lawmakers of “seditious behavior, punishable by DEATH” after they released a video urging American service members to refuse unlawful commands. The extraordinary escalation in political rhetoric has ignited a firestorm in Washington, raising concerns about the politicization of the military and the stability of democratic norms in a nation that is a critical security and economic partner for Kenya and the East Africa region.

In a series of posts on his Truth Social platform, Mr. Trump labeled the lawmakers—all of whom are veterans of the military or intelligence community—as “TRAITORS” who should be arrested and put on trial. “This is really bad, and Dangerous to our Country. Their words cannot be allowed to stand,” Trump wrote, later adding the stark message: “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!” He also reposted a supporter’s comment that read, “HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !!”

The controversy began on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, when a 90-second video was posted on X (formerly Twitter) by Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan. The video features Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, and Representatives Jason Crow of Colorado, Chris DeLuzio of Pennsylvania, Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire, and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania. In the message, the lawmakers speak directly to military and intelligence personnel, stating, “Like us, you all swore an oath to protect and defend this Constitution. Right now, the threats to our Constitution aren't just coming from abroad—but from right here at home.”

Senator Kelly, a former Navy captain and astronaut, states unequivocally in the video: “Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders.” The lawmakers added, “You must refuse illegal orders. No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our Constitution.” While the video did not specify any particular orders, it was released amid ongoing debate over the legality of U.S. military strikes against vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific alleged to be carrying drugs.

Legal and Political Fallout

Under the U.S. Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), service members are required to obey lawful orders but can be prosecuted for following illegal ones. The lawmakers' video restates this core legal principle. However, Trump administration officials and allies condemned the message as an incitement to insurrection. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller characterized the video as a “general call for rebellion.”

Sedition, under U.S. law (18 U.S.C. § 2384), involves a conspiracy by two or more people to overthrow the government by force or to forcibly prevent, hinder, or delay the execution of any U.S. law. It is a serious felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison, but it is distinct from treason and is a charge that prosecutors have found challenging to prove.

In response to Trump's posts, the six lawmakers issued a joint statement. “No threat, intimidation, or call for violence will deter us from that sacred obligation,” they said, referring to their oath to the Constitution. “What's most telling is that the President considers it punishable by death for us to restate the law... Every American must unite and condemn the President's calls for our murder and political violence.”

The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, stated on Thursday that the president was not literally calling for the lawmakers to be killed. However, she described the Democrats' video as a “dangerous message” that “perhaps is punishable by law.”

Implications for Kenya and East Africa

While this political clash is internal to the United States, its reverberations are significant for Kenya. The U.S. is Kenya's foremost security partner, providing substantial military aid, training, and intelligence support for counter-terrorism operations, particularly against al-Shabaab in Somalia. The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) work closely with U.S. forces, and this partnership is a cornerstone of regional stability. In May 2024, the U.S. designated Kenya a Major Non-NATO Ally, granting it enhanced access to American military technology and financing.

The intense polarization in American politics, highlighted by rhetoric involving the military, could raise concerns in Nairobi about the long-term predictability and reliability of its key ally. A politically divided U.S., where the military's loyalty is publicly contested, could impact the consistency of foreign policy and security cooperation agreements. Any perception of instability or politicization of the U.S. military command structure could have ripple effects on joint operations and strategic planning in the Horn of Africa.

The debate also touches upon universal principles of military conduct and civilian oversight, topics of relevance in Kenya's own democratic journey. The principle that military personnel are obliged to follow lawful orders while upholding the constitution is a fundamental tenet of professional armed forces globally, including the KDF. The current events in Washington serve as a stark reminder of the tensions that can arise between political leadership and military professionalism, a dynamic closely watched by governments and civil societies worldwide.