CNN Panel Erupts Over Dems’ Call for Military Defiance, Tensions High
BREAKING: Tensions flared during a heated CNN panel discussion on July 13, 2023, as host Abby Phillip confronted conservative radio host Ben Ferguson over a controversial video featuring Democratic lawmakers urging U.S. military personnel to disobey “unlawful” orders. The exchange escalated quickly, underscoring deep divides over military obedience and political rhetoric.
The video, released by six Democratic lawmakers—including Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) and Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.)—called for military members to “consult their consciences” and refuse illegal directives from the Trump administration. The lawmakers emphasized that threats to the Constitution “are coming from right here at home,” directly referencing the current administration.
Ferguson accused the Democrats of inciting rebellion among service members, claiming the video suggested disobedience to President Donald Trump. Phillip fervently countered, stating, “You cannot sit here and lie about that same video,” emphasizing that the lawmakers did not explicitly instruct military members to defy Trump’s orders.
In a dramatic moment, Phillip stated, “The video did not say that they should defy the orders of the president. It said that you cannot follow illegal orders,” highlighting the legal framework governing military conduct. The conversation became increasingly contentious, with progressive panelists like Leigh McGowan pushing back against Ferguson’s claims.
Trump responded to the video on his platform, Truth Social, declaring the lawmakers’ actions “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!” This provocative statement drew sharp criticism from progressives, who viewed it as a direct threat against the Democratic lawmakers involved.
Neera Tanden, a former Biden adviser, joined the fray, accusing Ferguson of dishonesty. “You’re not telling the truth,” she asserted, as voices grew louder during the exchange. Phillip reiterated the video’s message, urging viewers to understand its true intent, which focused on the necessity of following lawful orders rather than inciting insubordination.
In response to the controversy, the White House reinforced its stance, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt condemning the Democrats’ video as an attack on the military chain of command. “If that chain of command is broken, it can lead to chaos,” she warned, emphasizing the potential dangers of encouraging defiance among military ranks.
As this contentious debate continues to unfold, the implications of the video and the ensuing reactions from both sides of the political spectrum highlight the ongoing struggle over military loyalty and political allegiance. Viewers are left questioning the impact of such narratives on the morale and operations of the U.S. military.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, revealing the broader ramifications of this heated dialogue in American politics and military conduct.
