Michigan Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin told The New York Times that federal authorities are investigating her following her appearance in a brief video urging U.S. military and intelligence personnel to “refuse illegal orders.” The inquiry comes amid controversy over the video and criticism from President Donald Trump and his allies.
Slotkin and five other Democratic lawmakers with military or intelligence backgrounds released a 90-second video in November 2025. In it, they urged service members to uphold the Constitution and the law by refusing unlawful orders.
According to Slotkin’s office, she learned this month through official channels that the U.S. attorney’s office in Washington, D.C., is leading the inquiry. That office is currently headed by Jeanine Pirro, a former Fox News host.
It remains unclear which specific laws are being examined or whether prosecutors plan to pursue charges.
Pirro’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday night.
Slotkin, a former CIA officer who served in Iraq, is the second lawmaker who participated in the video to face an investigation following its release in November.
Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., a retired Navy captain and astronaut, on Monday sued over Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s effort to censure and demote him for what the Defense Department described as “seditious statements” in the video. Kelly called the Pentagon’s move “unlawful and unconstitutional.”
Trump previously blasted the Democratic members of Congress in the video, accusing them of committing “seditious behavior.” He said in November that their actions were “punishable by death” but later walked back the remarks, saying he was not threatening them with death but did believe that they are “in serious trouble.”
Slotkin has defended the video as a message of reassurance to service members, arguing that members of the military have a legal duty to refuse unlawful orders. She has described the investigation as intimidation and accused critics, including Trump, of using federal law enforcement to target political opponents.
Slotkin and other lawmakers involved have said they received threats and harassment after the video’s release, prompting increased security measures.
Slotkin said she is now under 24/7 security monitoring after a bomb threat was made against her family’s home.
“A lot of everyday people might listen to the president and say that the video was seditious or that it was treason,” Slotkin said. “People disagree with me every single day. Does that mean I should be investigated by the FBI, and the president of the United States should suggest I be hung? Disagree with me every day. I’m Michigan’s senator — there’s not a day that goes by where people agree with everything I say. I would never do that to somebody else that I vehemently disagree with.”
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I listened to the comments and I don’t remember President Trump saying you should be hung. I remember President Trump saying it could be punishment by death which it maybe, but not saying you should be hung. I also believe that a senator should not be saying thing like this and except the Military to still protect you
Liberals like Slotkin are crazed. They can no longer think rationally or reasonably. They are ideologues and believe anything is justified to attain their objective. No civility, honesty or truthfulness.