By — Joey Cappelletti, Associated Press Joey Cappelletti, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/fbi-seeks-interviews-with-democrats-who-appeared-in-video-urging-troops-to-defy-illegal-orders Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter FBI seeks interviews with Democrats who appeared in video urging troops to defy illegal orders Politics Nov 25, 2025 2:42 PM EST WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic lawmakers who appeared in a social media video urging U.S. troops to defy “illegal orders” say the FBI has contacted them to begin scheduling interviews, signaling a possible inquiry into the matter. It would mark the second investigation tied to the video, coming a day after the Pentagon announced it is investigating Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona over potential violations of military law. The FBI and Pentagon actions come after President Donald Trump accused the lawmakers of sedition “punishable by DEATH” in a social media post. READ MORE: Pentagon says it’s investigating Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly after video urging troops to defy ‘illegal orders’ Kash Patel and Pete Hegseth on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Pool via REUTERS “President Trump is using the FBI as a tool to intimidate and harass Members of Congress,” a group of four Democratic House members said in a statement Tuesday. “Yesterday, the FBI contacted the House and Senate Sergeants at Arms requesting interviews.” A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Joey Cappelletti, Associated Press Joey Cappelletti, Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic lawmakers who appeared in a social media video urging U.S. troops to defy “illegal orders” say the FBI has contacted them to begin scheduling interviews, signaling a possible inquiry into the matter. It would mark the second investigation tied to the video, coming a day after the Pentagon announced it is investigating Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona over potential violations of military law. The FBI and Pentagon actions come after President Donald Trump accused the lawmakers of sedition “punishable by DEATH” in a social media post. READ MORE: Pentagon says it’s investigating Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly after video urging troops to defy ‘illegal orders’ Kash Patel and Pete Hegseth on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Pool via REUTERS “President Trump is using the FBI as a tool to intimidate and harass Members of Congress,” a group of four Democratic House members said in a statement Tuesday. “Yesterday, the FBI contacted the House and Senate Sergeants at Arms requesting interviews.” A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now