Blackburn Criticizes Democrats for Urging Troops to Defy Orders
Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee has responded sharply to a video released by several Democratic lawmakers that encourages U.S. military service members to reject “illegal” orders. The video, which was posted by Sen. Elissa Slotkin on October 24, 2023, has garnered over 6.8 million views on social media platform X. In her remarks on “The Faulkner Focus,” Blackburn described the message as “inconceivable,” attributing it to what she termed “stage four Trump Derangement Syndrome” among Democrats.
The video features notable figures such as Sen. Mark Kelly, Rep. Chris Deluzio, Rep. Maggie Goodlander, Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, and Rep. Jason Crow, all of whom highlight their military backgrounds. They assert that threats to the Constitution are emerging from within the United States and urge military personnel to “refuse illegal orders” that violate constitutional principles.
Response from Lawmakers and Military Officials
Blackburn voiced her concern that elected officials would advise service members, who have pledged to protect the nation, to defy lawful orders. “It is disturbing that they would say, ‘defy the orders if you do not like the orders,'” she stated. Her comments reflect a broader Republican disapproval of the Democrats’ approach, which they view as undermining military authority and discipline.
The video was part of a campaign by these lawmakers to limit presidential powers regarding the deployment of the National Guard domestically. This initiative follows criticisms of former President Donald Trump‘s use of the Guard in cities like Washington, D.C., and Chicago. The proposed legislation seeks to restrict the president’s ability to act against narco-terrorists without congressional authorization, as the White House intensifies efforts to combat drug trafficking linked to such groups.
Military Community’s Reaction
The reaction to the video and its implications for military personnel has sparked a considerable debate. Blackburn’s remarks were echoed by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who also criticized the Democrats’ message, referring to it as an example of “Stage 4 TDS”—a term he uses to describe extreme anti-Trump sentiment.
The call to action by Democratic lawmakers aims to galvanize military and intelligence community members, encouraging them to uphold the Constitution and reject unlawful directives. Slotkin emphasized this point in her message, stating, “The American people need you to stand up for our laws and our Constitution. Don’t give up the ship.”
As the discourse continues, the implications of such statements by elected officials on military cohesion and respect for the rule of law remain under scrutiny. The contrasting views between Republicans and Democrats highlight a significant divide in contemporary political discourse, particularly concerning military engagement and constitutional adherence.
