The Source with Kaitlan Collins GOP & Dem Lawmakers Both Tell Troops To Follow The Law
9 snips
Nov 26, 2025 
Bill Stepien, a political operative and former Trump campaign manager, discusses the escalating tensions between parties over the military's duty to follow orders. Meanwhile, chess grandmaster Gary Kasparov critiques U.S.-Russia negotiations, warning against private interests undermining national policy, especially regarding Ukraine. The conversation dives into the implications of political theater around accusations of sedition and the legal aspects of lawmakers' speeches, raising questions about bipartisan cooperation on pressing issues.
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FBI Interviews Raise First Amendment Red Flags
- The FBI requested interviews of six Democratic members of Congress after a video telling troops to refuse illegal orders, raising constitutional and First Amendment questions.
- Legal experts said speech-and-debate protections and First Amendment limits make criminal charges unlikely.
Conflicting Messages Put Troops In A Bind
- Competing videos told service members both to refuse illegal orders and to obey lawful orders, creating mixed messaging for troops.
- Experts warned that telling troops to refuse orders without clear legal context can harm service members facing court-martial risk.
Experts Say Sedition Claims Lack Merit
- Ellie Honig and Andrew McCabe argued there is no legitimate criminal objective from the videos and that invoking sedition is extreme.
- They emphasized the Speech or Debate Clause would shield sitting members from prosecution for official duties.