Morning Joe ‘Trying to distract’: Joe slams Trump for accusing Democrats of sedition ‘punishable by death’
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Nov 21, 2025 Retired Lieutenant General Mark Hertling, a former U.S. Army officer and military law expert, joins to discuss the serious implications of Trump's incendiary comments about Democrats. Hertling emphasizes the military's duty to refuse illegal orders, highlighting the importance of the constitutional oath. The conversation turns to the dangers of political rhetoric, referencing past events like January 6. They also unpack Trump's attempts to distract from pressing issues with extreme claims, while noting the potential consequences of such inflammatory language.
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Execution Claim As A Distraction
- Joe Scarborough argues Trump's call to hang Democrats distracts from bigger issues like the Epstein files and poor approval ratings.
- The tactic redirects media attention away from policy failures and unfavorable polls.
Military Duty Overrides Illegal Orders
- Lieutenant General Mark Hertling stresses military training requires refusing unlawful orders and that service members face consequences for illegal acts.
- Upholding the oath to the Constitution is taught from day one in the military.
Clarify Orders Before Acting
- Mark Hertling advises commanders to question and clarify orders they believe may be illegal before executing them.
- He describes consulting JAG and raising concerns with bosses as standard and necessary practice.
