The Lincoln Project Veterans to Trump: We Don’t Obey Illegal Orders, You Wannabe Dictator
Nov 21, 2025
In this gripping discussion, a coalition of Democratic lawmakers and veterans, including Elissa Slotkin and Mark Kelly, delivers a powerful PSA urging military members to refuse illegal orders. They delve into the implications of Trump's explosive reaction, labeling the ad as treasonous and igniting a firestorm among veterans and lawmakers. The conversation touches on the constitutional duty to resist unlawful commands, pressing concerns about potential illegal military actions, and the broader test of rule of law in America. This moment may reshape national security debates.
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Duty To Refuse Illegal Orders
- The veterans' PSA reminded service members they must refuse illegal orders under the UCMJ and the Constitution.
- Rick Wilson frames that message as a standard legal and moral duty, not a political provocation.
Authoritarian Reaction Exposes A Test
- Rick Wilson says Trump's reaction to the video exposed an authoritarian impulse to criminalize lawful dissent.
- The MAGA response equated refusing illegal orders with treason, signaling a test of rule-of-law limits.
Put Legality First When Receiving Orders
- Do prioritize the legal status of presidential orders because illegal orders must be disobeyed.
- Wilson warns military and intelligence personnel to keep legality at the forefront when given directives.