Elissa Slotkin Investigated for Video on Illegal Orders: NPR

Senator Elissa Slotkin from Michigan is currently under investigation by federal prosecutors. This follows her involvement in a video that urged military personnel to refuse illegal orders, as confirmed by her office.

Investigation Details

Slotkin learned about the inquiry after a call from the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro’s office. Although the office did not confirm the investigation’s existence, The New York Times first reported on Slotkin’s awareness of the ongoing probe.

Content of the Controversial Video

The video, released on social media in November, features six Democratic congressional members, all of whom have military or intelligence backgrounds. They referenced the Uniform Code of Military Justice and asserted:

• “No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our Constitution.”

In response, former President Donald Trump labeled the video as “treasonous” and further fueled controversy by suggesting that the lawmakers should face severe consequences.

Threats and Intimidation

Slotkin reported receiving numerous threats, with some members of Congress experiencing bomb threats and swatting incidents—defined as making a false police report to provoke an armed response.

• Slotkin states that 1,000 threats have been investigated by authorities.
• She received a bomb threat at her personal residence.
• Her parents experienced a swatting incident.

Slotkin criticized the tactics used against her and other political figures, stating, “This is the President’s playbook. Truth doesn’t matter, facts don’t matter.” She emphasized that speaking out against misuse of power is vital for patriotism.

Broader Political Context

The FBI has requested interviews with the congressional members involved in the video. Additionally, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth plans to censure Senator Mark Kelly, a retired Navy pilot who also appeared in the video.

Such censure could lead to penalties for Kelly, including potential demotion or reduction in retirement pay. Kelly has subsequently filed a lawsuit against Hegseth and the Pentagon, claiming retaliation against his First Amendment rights.

This ongoing investigation highlights a pattern of perceived political targeting by the Trump administration, affecting various opponents, including Senator Adam Schiff and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.