Stephen Miller, former White House adviser, criticized Democratic lawmakers after a video surfaced in which several Democrats told members of the U.S. military that it is acceptable to defy “illegal” orders from President Donald Trump. Miller made his comments during an appearance on The Will Cain Show on Fox News.
Miller described the actions of the lawmakers as insurrection. “It is insurrection, plainly, directly,” Miller said. “Without question.” He further stated, “It’s a general call for rebellion from the CIA and the armed services of the United States by Democrat lawmakers saying that you have not only the right but the duty and the obligation to defy orders of the commander-in-chief.” He added that these lawmakers should resign: “These lawmakers should RESIGN in DISGRACE and never return to public office again,” he told Fox’s Will Cain.
The controversy began after Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) posted a video on X featuring herself and five other lawmakers. In the video, they said, “threats to the Constitution aren’t just coming from abroad, but right here at home.” Other participants included Senators Mark Kelly (Ariz.), Chris Deluzio (Pa.), Maggie Goodlander (NH), Chrissy Houlahan (Pa.), and Jason Crow (Colo.). They emphasized that service members can refuse illegal orders.
The editorial board of The New York Post also criticized these Democratic members of Congress for encouraging troops to disobey their commanders. The board wrote that this message is dangerous and accused them of using their military service for partisan purposes.
There has been ongoing debate about whether such statements undermine civilian control over the military or serve as legitimate warnings against unlawful directives.
