Punishable by DEATH: Trump threatens Democrats for urging troops to refuse orders

US President Donald Trump on Thursday escalated his attacks on Democrats who released a video advising members of the US military and intelligence officials that they have a duty to refuse unlawful orders. Trump accused them of treason and claimed their actions amounted to "seditious behaviour, punishable by death".

Trump made the allegation in a Truth Social post after reposting an article about the six Democratic legislators who appeared in the video. "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!" he wrote.

In another post, he said, "This is really bad, and Dangerous to our Country. Their words cannot be allowed to stand. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???"

The outburst comes amid Trump's repeated demands for legal reprisals against opponents. Since returning to the presidency in January, he has periodically called for jailing adversaries, while his Justice Department has directed scrutiny at critics, including former national security adviser John Bolton and former FBI director James Comey.

At the White House, spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt rejected the suggestion that the president wanted lawmakers executed, but she criticised the Democrats’ message, accusing them of encouraging troops to undermine the chain of command.

The six lawmakers who appeared in the video include Senators Elissa Slotkin, a former CIA analyst and Iraq War veteran, and Mark Kelly, a former astronaut and Navy veteran. Representatives Jason Crow, Maggie Goodlander, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan also participated.

HOUSE DEMOCRATS ALERT CAPITOL POLICE AFTER TRUMP’S 'DEATH THREATS'

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar issued a joint statement denouncing Trump’s threats.

"Political violence has no place in America," they said. They praised the six lawmakers who appeared in the video, saying they had served "with tremendous patriotism and distinction". They added, "We unequivocally condemn Donald Trump’s disgusting and dangerous death threats against Members of Congress and call on House Republicans to forcefully do the same."

The leaders said they had contacted the House Sergeant at Arms and the US Capitol Police to ensure the lawmakers’ safety and urged Trump to delete the posts. "Donald Trump must immediately delete these unhinged social media posts and recant his violent rhetoric before he gets someone killed," they said.

US law does not apply sedition charges to civilians, although "seditious conspiracy" carries a potential 20-year sentence. Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, however, sedition can carry penalties up to death.

- Ends

With inputs from agencies

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