When Lawmakers Lecture the Military: Why the “Unlawful Orders” Video Invites Confusion

[DigitalDrifter]

I've served, and it was made very clear illegal orders are always refused. Period.
So, who were these lawmakers aiming their propaganda at? The troops do not need to be reminded. This was simply an effort to create more division throughout our country, and hinder the agenda that American voters voted for.

A group of six Democratic lawmakers with military or national security backgrounds released a video in November 2025 urging U.S. service members and intelligence personnel to refuse unlawful orders. Participants included Senator Elissa Slotkin, Senator Mark Kelly, Representative Jason Crow, Representative Chris Deluzio, Representative Maggie Goodlander, and Representative Chrissy Houlahan. Their message emphasized that the oath is to the Constitution, not to any leader, and warned that threats to constitutional order can arise “from within.” The lawmakers said troops “can and must refuse illegal orders,” a claim that is technically correct under military law. They framed the message as a reminder of constitutional duty rather than a political statement.

When Lawmakers Lecture the Military: Why the “Unlawful Orders” Video Invites Confusion

A group of Democratic lawmakers released a video telling service members they must refuse unlawful orders, a message that is legally correct but poorly delivered. The video offered no examples or legal context, creating confusion about what orders they meant. Critics warned it risked...

www.military.com

 

[Marener]

Your confusion is unsurprising and irrelevant.

 

[Hafar1014]

I've served, and it was made very clear illegal orders are always refused. Period.
So, who were these lawmakers aiming their propaganda at? The troops do not need to be reminded. This was simply an effort to create more division throughout our country, and hinder the agenda that American voters voted for.

Let me clear this up. Democrats have been screaming for months that Trumps orders to deport are unlawful.
Then they make video calling on the military not to obey unlawful orders but they dont say that they are. They dont have to. They already made that clear. So the video calls to refuse to obey Trumps orders that are in fact lawful. If youre in the military you cant say that. Youre disrupting the chain of command a violation of the Code of conduct and yes he can be court marshaled. I hope they throw the book at him.

 

[Cassandro]

Why do I have to keep reminding people that there is a difference between "unlawful" and "illegal" military orders?

 

[Blaster]

The average service man or woman would not recognize an unlawful order.

 

[DigitalDrifter]

Your confusion is unsurprising and irrelevant.

What a dick.

 

[Manonthestreet]

 

[Darkwind]

What a dick.

His defense of this reprehensible act is what is unsurprising and irrelevant.

 

[d0gbreath]

Let me clear this up. Democrats have been screaming for months that Trumps orders to deport are unlawful.
Then they make video calling on the military not to obey unlawful orders but they dont say that they are. They dont have to. They already made that clear. So the video calls to refuse to obey Trumps orders that are in fact lawful. If youre in the military you cant say that. Youre disrupting the chain of command a violation of the Code of conduct and yes he can be court marshaled. I hope they throw the book at him.

Court martialed looks better.

 

[White 6]

Let me clear this up. Democrats have been screaming for months that Trumps orders to deport are unlawful.
Then they make video calling on the military not to obey unlawful orders but they dont say that they are. They dont have to. They already made that clear. So the video calls to refuse to obey Trumps orders that are in fact lawful. If youre in the military you cant say that. Youre disrupting the chain of command a violation of the Code of conduct and yes he can be court marshaled. I hope they throw the book at him.

I was not aware, the military was deporting anybody. What does your chosen example have to do with illegal or unlawful military orders?