Crow Draws Fire After Democrats Urge Troops to Reject ‘Illegal’ Orders

By: Thelma Grimes and The Washington Examiner | Colorado Politics

President Donald Trump suggested on Thursday that Democratic veterans in Congress who urged military service members to “refuse illegal orders” from the Trump administration should receive capital punishment.

In a Truth Social post, Trump wrote, “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!”

The president’s message was aimed at several Democrats, including Colorado U.S. Rep. Jason Crow, along with with Sens. Elissa Slotkin, D-MI, and Mark Kelly, D-AZ, in addition to Reps. Maggie Goodlander, D-NH, Chris Deluzio, D-PA, and Chrissy Houlahan, D-PA.

In a video posted Tuesday, the Democratic lawmakers told military and intelligence personnel to disobey orders that they allege are “unlawful” and “unconstitutional.”

None of the Democrats, all veterans who served in the U.S. military, specified what “unlawful” or “unconstitutional” meant.

Crow’s office did not respond to Colorado Politics’ specific questions about what the Democrats meant in telling members of the U.S. military to defy orders. Crow’s office also did not respond to questions regarding criticism of the video posted by Democrats. The criticism said they are using military personnel as political pawns.

Crow’s office also did not respond directly to the question on whether this could create issues among military ranks that might lead to soldiers being dishonorably discharged or facing charges for insubordination.

The Democrat’s office said he would not be available for an interview.

In talking to CNN on Thursday, he said he would not allow Trump to intimidate him, maintaining he is simply reminding people to obey the law.

“We simply reminded folks of what the constitution and laws require,” Crow said.

Service members have a duty to refuse unlawful orders, as they are only required to follow lawful orders under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. If they follow illegal orders, they can face criminal prosecution.

An unlawful order is defined as a criminal act or a violation of the Constitution, federal law, or applicable international law. Some examples include targeting or intentionally harming civilians, torturing or abusing detainees, and falsifying operational or legal records.

While the lawmakers did not clarify what unlawful orders they were referencing, Crow denied their comments were related to the military strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific. The Trump administration has repeatedly defended its use of the military in this case against critics, and the Justice Department concluded in July that troops involved in those lethal airstrikes are not subject to future prosecution.

Since the operations started in early September, the U.S. military has killed at least 83 people in at least 21 airstrikes on vessels allegedly carrying drugs.

Crow responded to the president’s threat through social media posts on Thursday.

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