FBI targets 6 US Democratic lawmakers for video urging troops to refuse illegal orders

​​​​​​​ISTANBUL

The FBI is seeking to schedule interviews with six US Democratic lawmakers who appeared in a video urging military personnel and intelligence officials to disregard illegal orders.

The group includes Sens. Mark Kelly and Elissa Slotkin, alongside Reps. Chrissy Houlahan, Chris Deluzio, Jason Crow and Maggie Goodlander.

The Trump administration characterized the video, in which Kelly said, “Our laws are clear: you can refuse illegal orders,” as "seditious" behavior that threatens presidential authority.

In a joint statement on US social media company X, Crow, speaking for Deluzio, Goodlander and Houlahan, said US President Donald Trump "is using the FBI as a tool to intimidate and harass members of Congress."

The lawmakers confirmed the bureau contacted the House and Senate sergeants-at-arms about the interviews. "No amount of intimidation or harassment will ever stop us from doing our jobs," it said. "We will not be bullied. We will never give up the ship."

Slotkin wrote on X that the FBI's Counterterrorism Division "appeared to open an inquiry" into her because of a video "President Trump did not like." She argued Trump "believes in weaponizing the federal government" against perceived enemies and "does not believe laws apply to him or his Cabinet."

The Pentagon said Monday it was reviewing "serious allegations of misconduct" against Kelly.

Last week, Trump accused the group, comprised of military and intelligence veterans, of being "traitors."