UPDATE: California Congressman and gubernatorial candidate Eric Swalwell has made a striking claim that U.S. military members view themselves as a vital “check” on President Donald Trump. This urgent assertion comes amid rising tensions over a controversial video featuring six Democratic lawmakers urging military personnel to “refuse illegal orders” from Trump, a situation that has sparked significant backlash and an official review by the Department of War.
During an appearance on CNN with Don Lemon on Monday, Swalwell defended the Democratic lawmakers involved in the video, which has raised questions about military conduct. The Department of War is currently examining whether Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain, breached military standards by participating in the video. Swalwell fiercely criticized this investigation as a politically motivated attack, emphasizing that military members have expressed their commitment to uphold their oath to the Constitution, even under pressure from the commander-in-chief.
“What gives me hope,” Swalwell stated, “is that military members have told me they can be a check on the president.” He further elaborated, “They’re saying, ‘We’re not going to betray our oath to the Constitution because this guy tells us to.’” This assertion highlights a growing concern among service members regarding the potential for unlawful orders from the Trump administration.
Swalwell also echoed Lemon’s claim that the current administration is encouraging military personnel to disregard constitutional obligations. “If you don’t intend to carry out unlawful orders,” Swalwell questioned, “why do you care that somebody would say that?” His comments underscore the escalating tensions between political leaders and military personnel regarding the integrity of military orders.
In a related warning, fellow Arizona Democrat Senator Ruben Gallego cautioned that there would be “consequences” for military members if they pursued disciplinary actions against Kelly for his remarks in the video. “Donald Trump is going to be gone in a couple of years,” Gallego warned. “If you’re part of the military that is going after sitting senators, there will be consequences, without a doubt.”
As the Department of War continues its review, the situation remains fluid, with Democrats raising alarms about the political ramifications of this investigation. The pressure is mounting as military members grapple with their roles amid these divisive political dynamics, emphasizing the critical intersection of military duty and constitutional fidelity.
The urgency of these developments cannot be overstated as the nation watches closely. The contrast between political maneuvering and the military’s commitment to constitutional principles could have profound implications for the future of U.S. governance. Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.
