Two Democrats are refusing to cooperate with a Justice Department investigation into a video they participated in that urged military and intelligence community members not to follow illegal orders. Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and Representative Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania have both stated they will not comply with requests for interviews regarding the video.
Lawmakers Push Back Against Inquiry
Senator Slotkin announced on Thursday that she sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi and U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., Jeanine Pirro, informing them of her decision. She stated the Trump administration is “purposely using physical and legal intimidation to get me to shut up,” and that this intimidation is intended to deter others from speaking out.
Representative Houlahan echoed these concerns, stating that the Justice Department’s actions “cross a line when the power of the federal government is turned toward intimidating people.”
The video prompted a series of social media posts from President Donald Trump, who accused the lawmakers of “seditious behavior” and suggested their actions could be “punishable by death.” He later clarified on a radio show that he was “not threatening death,” but added, “I think they’re in serious trouble.”
Broader Investigation and Legal Challenges
Federal prosecutors contacted Slotkin, Houlahan, and Representatives Jason Crow of Colorado and Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire last month regarding the video. Slotkin has indicated she may pursue legal action, urging Bondi and Pirro to retain records related to the case “in case I decide to sue for infringement of my constitutional rights.”
The lawmakers’ defiance follows reports that the FBI contacted the House and Senate sergeants-at-arms requesting interviews with those involved in the video. This occurred after a joint statement from Crow, Goodlander, Houlahan, and Representative Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania, alleging Trump was “using the FBI as a tool to intimidate and harass Members of Congress.”
Pirro’s office declined to comment on the lawmakers’ refusal to cooperate, and the Justice Department has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Justice Department’s investigation?
The investigation was prompted by a video posted in November by six members of Congress urging members of the military and intelligence community not to follow illegal orders.
What has been President Trump’s response to the video?
President Trump responded with a series of social media posts condemning the video, accusing the lawmakers of “seditious behavior” and suggesting their actions could be “punishable by death.”
Are any other lawmakers facing scrutiny in this matter?
Yes, Representatives Jason Crow and Maggie Goodlander have also reported being contacted by federal prosecutors regarding the video. Senator Mark Kelly is awaiting a ruling on a lawsuit related to an effort to reduce his military retirement rank due to his involvement in the video.
As the Justice Department considers its next steps, will this situation further escalate tensions between lawmakers and the executive branch?
