The RecordExhibit 66
'SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!'
Criticized means: Legal, or a policy choice, but widely condemned.
After six Democratic lawmakers who are veterans or former intelligence officers told troops they can refuse illegal orders, Trump called them traitors, said they should be arrested, and reposted a call to hang them.
What happened
The Pentagon opened an investigation into Sen. Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain, and the FBI sought interviews with all six.
Where it stands
Sedition carries up to 20 years in prison, not death. No one has been charged. Federal prosecutors in Washington asked a grand jury to indict the six lawmakers, and on Feb. 10, 2026, the grand jury refused. Two days later a federal judge blocked the Pentagon's attempt to punish Kelly, finding it violated his First Amendment rights (see the entry on Kelly's censure).
The administration's side
Trump later said he wasn't threatening death but that the lawmakers are in serious trouble. Hegseth called their video despicable and reckless.
Sources
Permanent link: https://unredactedrecord.com/e/seditious/